The youth who were once trapped in the mire of drugs are now ready to become the architects of Punjab’s bright future! This is not a dream, but the on-ground reality of the Punjab government’s ambitious campaign, ‘Yudh Nashon Virudh’ (War Against Drugs). Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has not only cracked down on drug peddlers but has also paved the way for respect and self-employment for the youth who are quitting drugs.
The bad times have arrived for those selling drugs in Punjab. Following the direct and strict orders of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the decisive battle launched against drugs in the state, ‘Yudh Nashon Virudh’, has completed 9 months, and significant results are visible. From March 1, 2025, till now, the Punjab Police has taken record action, registering 26,256 cases and arresting 38,687 drug smugglers. During this period, a large quantity of narcotics, including more than 1,714 kilograms of heroin, has been seized. These figures demonstrate the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and its readiness to dismantle the drug network entirely.
Alongside strict enforcement, the government is operating on a dual strategy by combining reform and employment. In this context, the Ludhiana District Administration, with the assistance of the Dairy Development and Health Departments, has launched a special 10-day skill training program at the Government Rehabilitation Centre in Jagraon. The objective of this initiative is to provide young people undergoing drug de-addiction treatment with opportunities for stable income, ensuring they do not relapse into the drug trap for financial reasons.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain described this initiative as a major and humane step toward Holistic Rehabilitation. He stated clearly, “We are ensuring that no person who has defeated addiction slides back due to poverty or lack of employment.” Following this vision, Surinder Singh, Deputy Director of the Dairy Development Department, provided practical training in Dairy Farming (Animal Husbandry) and related vocations to the youth on the inauguration day.
Officials believe these skills will help the recovering individuals start their own work and achieve economic independence, thereby solidifying their recovery. After completing the training, those found capable will also be provided with bank loans and financial assistance under government schemes to set up small dairy units. This initiative is being supervised by key officials such as Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, Lead District Manager Gurdev Singh Kang, and Centre In-charge Dr. Vivek Goyal.
The Punjab government believes that skill development can turn recovery into a new opportunity. This program is not just limited to teaching skills; it provides the youth with the capital of self-confidence, allowing them to return to the mainstream of society with dignity. When they have stable work in their hands, they are not compelled to turn towards any compulsion or addiction. In this way, this initiative not only improves their lives but also fundamentally breaks the entire vicious cycle of addiction, giving them a new identity.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has shown its strong resolve. The government has not only taken strict measures against drug peddlers but has also shown sensitivity towards the youth who had fallen victim to drugs. It is the government’s responsibility to provide a secure future for its children, and understanding this responsibility, it has fought a decisive battle to save them from drugs and given them excellent opportunities to stand on their own feet.
The future of Punjab’s next generation is being secured. When the government takes strong action against drug dealers (like arresting over 38,000 smugglers) and simultaneously empowers its youth by teaching them skills, providing work, and giving them a life of respect, it is a great and positive development for the entire society. This effort does not stop at resolving a single problem; it is a strong beginning to make Punjab vibrant and prosperous again.
