In a bold move to intensify Punjab’s fight against drug trafficking, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the state’s anti-drug campaign has entered its final and most decisive phase. Speaking at a function in Ludhiana on Monday, the Chief Minister distributed official ID cards to members of newly formed Defence Committees and called them the “generals” of this people-led battle. These committees, now operational in both villages and urban wards, are expected to become the frontline force in the war against drugs.
Launched on February 4, 2025, the state’s War Against Drugs initiative has, according to the CM, already dismantled the backbone of the drug supply chain. “With the unwavering support of Punjab’s people, we are close to achieving our goal of a drug-free state,” Mann stated, emphasizing that public cooperation has been the campaign’s greatest strength.
To institutionalize and sustain this fight, the state government has formed Defence Committees at the village and ward levels. Each committee comprises 10 to 20 members, including sarpanches, councillors, local administrators, police representatives, and clean-reputation citizens such as ex-servicemen and teachers. These members will now officially liaise with the administration on drug-related matters, gather intelligence, and lead awareness drives.
The committees have been formally notified by respective SDMs and will be responsible for maintaining round-the-clock vigilance in their areas. In addition to monitoring, they will assist in the rehabilitation of drug users and help reintegrate them into society. Any village or ward that attains a 100% drug-free status will be formally recognized and rewarded by the state government.
Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to restore Punjab’s pride and dignity. “This is not just about policing; it is a cultural and social movement,” he said, urging the committees to actively use community engagement tools like street plays and school campaigns to educate people, especially the youth.
The Chief Minister took a sharp dig at previous governments and opposition leaders, accusing them of ignoring the drug crisis. He questioned their silence over jailed political leaders facing drug-related charges, calling on them to clarify their stance—whether they support the anti-drug movement or stand with those accused of enabling drug trafficking. Mann revealed that new evidence has emerged against a jailed former Akali minister, and the government is preparing to submit it in court.
Taking the opportunity to outline his government’s broader development agenda, Mann announced that once the monsoon season concludes, repair work on over 20,000 km of link roads will begin, aimed at improving rural infrastructure. He also cited key achievements of the Aam Aadmi Party government, including the provision of canal water to tail-end fields, the allocation of more than 55,000 government jobs purely on merit, and the closure of toll plazas that has collectively saved citizens ₹64 lakh every day.
The event was also attended by Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, and Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, among others. Identification cards were formally distributed to Defence Committee members, officially enabling them to begin their roles on the ground.
This pioneering step marks a significant chapter in Punjab’s ongoing battle to eliminate drug addiction, protect its youth, and rebuild the state’s social fabric.
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