Chandigarh, August 11
In a significant step towards strengthening awareness and preventive initiatives against drug abuse, the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development has received a ₹1 crore token grant for the financial year 2026-27. Of this, ₹85 lakh has been allocated for awareness and prevention activities across 12 districts, while ₹15 lakh has been earmarked for organising a State-level anti-drug awareness event at Malout in Sri Muktsar Sahib district during August 2026.
Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is adopting a comprehensive approach to combating drug abuse by giving equal emphasis to awareness, prevention, rehabilitation and community participation. She said safeguarding young people from the menace of drugs and building a healthier, safer and more prosperous Punjab remain among the Government’s highest priorities.
The Minister informed that focused awareness campaigns will be organised in Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Pathankot, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana and Patiala. Schools, colleges, villages and urban communities will be actively engaged through awareness programmes highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse while motivating young people to adopt a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that the State-level Anti-Drug Awareness Event at Malout, to be held under her chairpersonship, will witness the participation of government departments, educational institutions, youth organisations, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, reinforcing a united resolve against drug abuse.
She said the event will serve as a powerful platform to spread awareness about the devastating impact of drugs, strengthen preventive efforts among the youth and encourage every section of society to actively participate in the movement for a drug-free Punjab.
Emphasising that defeating the drug menace requires collective action, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of the Government alone. Families, educational institutions, social organisations and the youth must come together to protect our future generations. Only through collective resolve and active public participation can we realise the vision of a drug-free Punjab.”
Reaffirming the State Government’s unwavering commitment to building a drug-free Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that awareness and prevention initiatives will continue to be expanded in collaboration with all stakeholders. She added that the Government is determined to ensure that the message against drug abuse reaches every village, every town and every household, inspiring communities to become active partners in safeguarding Punjab’s future.