Langroya (SBS Nagar), May 16
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, launched the ‘Nasha Mukti Yatra’ from Langroya village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar on Friday. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the Punjab Government's comprehensive campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh,’ aimed at eradicating drug abuse from the state. During the event, CM Mann and Kejriwal administered an oath to the residents, encouraging them to become active warriors in the fight against the drug menace.
Commending the efforts of Langroya village, which has declared itself drug-free, CM Mann congratulated the village Panchayat for setting an inspiring example for others. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Langroya for their contribution to the government’s anti-drug campaign. CM Mann reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating the scourge of drug addiction from Punjab, stating that the collective will and participation of the people are crucial to achieving this goal.
As part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the government has launched an extensive movement, organizing Gram Sabhas in 351 villages daily, including three from each constituency. These sessions aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, promote the use of de-addiction centers, and facilitate the rehabilitation of affected individuals. CM Mann emphasized the government’s focus on providing comprehensive support to drug addicts, including treatment, counseling, and business-oriented training, to help them reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.
Mann said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of the state and it took more than two years for the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in these heinous crimes were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' the aim of which is to clean the state. He solicited fulsome support and cooperation of people in this war against drugs to transform it into a mass movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as Langroya has declared itself drug free after giving full support to the Police in the same manner it must be replicated in other parts of the state.
The Chief Minister said that if Punjabis have made a firm resolve to make the state drug free then no one can stop us from this noble cause. He said that every inch of this sacred land has the footprint of great Gurus, saints, seers and martyrs, who have shown us the way to oppose tyranny, injustice and oppression. Bhagwant Mann said that walking on their footsteps only the state government has launched a crusade against drugs.
The Chief Minister said that it is heartening to see that a large number of women were participating in this function, which is a good sign. He said that if the women rise in such a big way to eliminate any menace then that it will be wiped out very soon. Mann said that the day is not far when the state will be completely drug free with the active participation of the women in the state.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the state government is making notable efforts to empower the girls through education adding that the transport facility has been provided to 10,000 girl students in government schools across the state. He said that nowadays girls have outnumbered boys in every field. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that women’s empowerment is imperative to carve out an egalitarian society and in the larger interest of society and state.
The Chief Minister said that Punjabis are global citizens who have carved a niche for themselves in every corner of the world. He said given a chance the hard working, innovative and energetic Punjabis are now excelling in every arena. Mann said that with people's support, the state government is focusing on creating a Rangla Punjab, and the fight against drugs is a key part of this effort.
The Chief Minister said that contrary to earlier times when the leaders of the state used to jeopardize the interests of Punjab, the state government today is focusing on the overall growth and prosperity of the state. He said that the earlier leaders were afraid of meeting the people whereas the state government today is interacting with the people and seeking their feedback. Mann said that every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of the state and its people by making them an active partner in social economic development of the state.
Citing an example, the Chief Minister said that the state government vehemently opposed the draconian move of the centre, BBMB and Haryana government to steal waters of the state. Mann said that his predecessors used to extend such largesse for their vested interests but as a custodian of waters of the state he will never allow this adding that as Punjab has upgraded its canal water system so now it requires water to cater to needs of the farmers of the state in wake of ensuing paddy season. He categorically said that Punjab doesn’t even have a single drop of water to share with the other states.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that till now sending their child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but now it is their wish to do so as the education system has been revamped. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for the well being of every section of society especially the youth for which no stone will be left unturned. He said that the state government is making every endeavor to groom the students well for various competitions adding that now the students are excelling in the field of education. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the focus is to ensure holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.
The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54,000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, without any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.