Punjab Government to Launch Anti-Drug Movement from April 1
Team Finance Saathi
19/Mar/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- Punjab to launch a statewide public movement against drugs from April 1.
- AAP announces drug census, anti-drone systems, and rehabilitation plans.
- Kejriwal highlights Punjab's progress in healthcare and anti-corruption efforts.
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to launch a statewide public movement against drugs starting April 1, 2025. Kejriwal made this announcement during a massive rally in Ludhiana on Tuesday, where he highlighted the government's ongoing fight against drug abuse, corruption, and organized crime. He also praised the Punjab Police's relentless efforts in tackling drug trafficking and urged the public to report drug-related activities via a confidential helpline (9779100200).
Kejriwal’s Call for Collective Action Against Drugs
While addressing the crowd, Kejriwal declared, "When the three crore people of Punjab rise, these smugglers will have nowhere to hide." He emphasized that the success of the movement depends on the active participation of AAP workers, MLAs, ministers, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging them to visit villages and spread awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.
Statewide Drug Census to Identify Affected Households
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Kejriwal announced that the Punjab government will conduct a statewide drug census to identify households affected by drug abuse. This comprehensive census will help the administration design targeted rehabilitation programs to ensure that addicts receive appropriate medical care and support.
Anti-Drone Systems to Counter Cross-Border Smuggling
To curb the influx of narcotics from across the border, Kejriwal revealed that anti-drone systems will be deployed across Punjab to prevent drug smuggling through drones. This technological intervention aims to block the influx of contraband that threatens to destabilize the state’s youth.
Ludhiana Civil Hospital: A Symbol of Progress
The Ludhiana rally also marked the inauguration of Ludhiana Civil Hospital's renovation, an initiative spearheaded by AAP’s Sanjeev Arora. Kejriwal highlighted the remarkable transformation of the hospital, describing it as a "magnificent facility" compared to its earlier state. He took a swipe at previous governments, stating, "The Civil Hospital has been completely rejuvenated. Those who visited earlier know the dreadful state Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal left it in, along with 30,000 rats over their 30 years of misrule."
Comprehensive Healthcare Overhaul in Punjab
Kejriwal further reiterated AAP’s commitment to healthcare by highlighting Punjab’s ongoing health revolution. He mentioned the repair and modernization of hospitals and the establishment of mohalla clinics across the state, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every household. "Every hospital in Punjab will be improved, and a major health revolution is underway," he assured the people.
AAP’s War on Drugs: Unprecedented Crackdown
Kejriwal took a strong stance against previous governments, accusing them of enabling the drug menace in Punjab. "Drugs didn't originate in Punjab. We all know which party's ministers distributed drugs to every household for money. They destroyed an entire generation," he said, taking a veiled dig at the previous Congress and Akali Dal administrations.
He criticized former leaders for their empty promises to eradicate drugs, adding, "A former CM swore on the Gutka Sahib to eradicate drugs in four weeks but didn't even step out of his house for five years while the drug trade flourished."
Bulldozing Drug Networks and Confiscating Narcotics
Kejriwal emphasized that AAP's government is taking unprecedented action against drug traffickers, highlighting that "the homes of major drug smugglers are being demolished by bulldozers" and that huge quantities of drugs worth crores have been seized over the past 20 days. "For the first time, a government has dared to confront these smugglers head-on," he asserted.
Building Sports Infrastructure to Engage Punjab's Youth
To rehabilitate drug-affected youth, Kejriwal announced plans to create sports infrastructure across Punjab. He cited the completion of volleyball courts in 87 villages of Tarn Taran as an example of the government’s commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles and keeping youth engaged in constructive activities. "We're building playgrounds and gyms in every village," he said, emphasizing that sports and recreation facilities will play a pivotal role in keeping Punjab’s youth away from drugs.
Anti-Corruption Drive: Warning to Officials
Kejriwal also addressed corruption in Punjab's administrative system, warning officials to "mend their ways" or face strict action. He revealed that 17 tehsildars were suspended for corruption recently, signaling the government's zero-tolerance approach towards corrupt practices. "Corruption will not be tolerated. The system is being overhauled to make corruption impossible," he warned, vowing to clean up the bureaucracy.
AAP’s Vision for a Prosperous and Drug-Free Punjab
Kejriwal concluded his address by reaffirming AAP’s vision to build a prosperous and drug-free Punjab, where health, education, and youth development remain top priorities. He emphasized that the April 1 movement against drugs will mark the beginning of a new era of community involvement and government accountability in addressing Punjab’s most pressing challenges.
As Punjab gears up for this historic anti-drug campaign, the AAP government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the state emerges as a beacon of progress, transparency, and resilience.
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