Chandigarh, June 9, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, accompanied by Minister Tarunpreet Sondh, addressed the media today after an important meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ (War Against Drugs).
Cheema announced a series of groundbreaking measures to further tackle drug problem, highlighting the AAP government’s relentless efforts under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make Punjab drug-free.
Recruitment of 200 Psychologists
To address the urgent need for counseling and treatment of drug addicts, the state will hire 200 psychologists on a temporary basis for six months. Cheema emphasized that drug addicts are patients who require both medical treatment and psychological support.
The Health Department has been instructed to sanction regular posts for psychologists, with permanent recruitment to be completed within the next six months.
1,000 Additional Beds for De-Addiction Facilities
The government has upgraded infrastructure in de-addiction centers, outpatient treatment clinics, and hospitals by adding 1,000 beds.
Moreover, partnerships with private nursing institutions and de-addiction centers will provide an additional 1,000 beds. This ensures that drug addicts can be immediately shifted to private facilities when government capacity is exceeded, with the costs borne by the government.
Daily Psychiatrist Services
Psychiatrists will now be engaged for two hours daily to provide specialized treatment to patients in hospitals, OOAT clinics, and de-addiction centers. Each psychiatrist will be compensated ₹3,000 for these two hours, allowing for efficient, need-based counseling and medication.
Enhanced Staffing for De-Addiction Centers
The Health Department has been directed to submit a comprehensive proposal within a week to address shortages in nursing and paramedical staff across facilities.
Skill Development Programs for Recovering Addicts
The Punjab Government will establish skill development centers even within prisons. These programs will provide vocational training to recovering addicts, ensuring they have sustainable livelihoods upon reentering society.
Impact of the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ Campaign
Minister Cheema lauded the remarkable achievements of the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign, highlighting its tangible impact on combating the drug menace in Punjab. He shared that the campaign has resulted in the registration of 9,580 drug-related cases and the arrest of 16,348 individuals, including several notorious smugglers and gangsters.
Additionally, the government has demolished 118 properties belonging to drug traffickers, seized 622 kilograms of heroin, and recovered ₹11 crore in drug money. These accomplishments underscore the AAP government’s unwavering commitment to making Punjab drug-free.
Cheema highlighted that the war on drugs is now a people’s movement, with citizens providing critical information on drug peddlers. Many addicts are voluntarily seeking help at de-addiction centers, signaling a significant disruption in drug trafficking networks.
Sharp Criticism of Opposition Parties
Cheema did not hold back in his criticism of the Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP, accusing them of promoting and protecting drug trade during their regimes. “When Punjab was ruled by the Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP, they nurtured drug trafficking networks. They made Punjab synonymous with drugs. Today, they criticize our efforts instead of contributing to the solution,” Cheema remarked.
The minister questioned the motives of opposition leaders, suggesting, “Many of them should undergo dope tests and be admitted to de-addiction centers themselves.” He cited examples of smuggling cases linked to Congress and Akali leaders, accusing them of shielding drug traffickers.
Cheema also cornered Akali Dal for protecting those involved in the illicit liquor trade, stating, “We have collected irrefutable proof, including videos and photographs, of smuggling operations. These cases will be presented in court with full strength to ensure convictions.”
Minister Cheema reaffirmed AAP’s commitment to eradicating drugs from Punjab. He commended the public for actively participating in the campaign and taking oaths in villages to support the government’s mission. “The people of Punjab are standing with us. Together, we will make Punjab vibrant and drug-free again,” he declared.
Cheema also took a swipe at opposition leaders like Sunil Jakhar, mocking their frequent party-hopping. “Jakhar was in Congress, then BJP. Perhaps his mood will change again, and he might join the Akali Dal to become their president. After all, he has only ever been interested in titles, not public service,” Cheema quipped.
In conclusion, Cheema thanked the people of Punjab for their overwhelming support and urged them to continue cooperating with the government in its mission to make Punjab drug-free. “The chain of drug trafficking has been broken, and soon, Punjab will rid itself of this menace entirely,” he asserted.
