In an effort to make common man an integral part of war against drugs, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday administered an oath to state’s residents, enlisting them as warriors in the war against drugs.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister called for full public support and cooperation in tackling the drug menace. He acknowledged that drug abuse had long been a stain on the state’s reputation, and said the government spent over two years developing a comprehensive strategy to eliminate this scourge.
Bhagwant Mann stated that the supply chains of drugs have been successfully cut off, major offenders have been arrested, victims of drug abuse are being rehabilitated, and properties belonging to drug smugglers have been seized and destroyed. The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government has launched a decisive war against drugs under the campaign Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, aiming to rid the state of this menace.
He urged people to fully support and cooperate in this fight to turn it into a widespread mass movement. Mann added that just as some villages have declared themselves drug-free by actively supporting the police, this success should be replicated across the entire state.
He highlighted that every inch of Punjab’s sacred land bears the legacy of great Gurus, saints, seers, and martyrs who stood against tyranny, injustice, and oppression. Following in their footsteps, the state government has launched a determined crusade against drugs.
Mann expressed his satisfaction at the strong participation of women in the event, calling it a positive sign. He emphasised that when women rise in large numbers to eliminate a menace, it is bound to be eradicated quickly. The Chief Minister said that with the active involvement of women, the day is not far when Punjab will become completely drug-free.
The Chief Minister said the state government is taking significant steps to empower girls through education, including the provision of transport facilities to 10,000 girl students in government schools across Punjab. He noted that girls are now surpassing boys in various fields, including those traditionally dominated by men. Mann emphasised that women’s empowerment is essential for building an inclusive and equitable society, which is crucial for the overall development of the state.
He further said that Punjabis, known for their hard work and innovation, have earned global recognition and are excelling across diverse fields. With the active support of the people, the government is committed to building a vibrant and prosperous 'Rangla Punjab,' and the fight against drugs is a key component of this vision.
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 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.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the interests of Punjab and its people by involving them as active participants in the state’s socio-economic development.
Highlighting the government's firm stance, Mann cited the state’s strong opposition to what he called a “draconian move” by the Centre, BBMB, and the Haryana government to divert Punjab’s water. He said previous governments had compromised Punjab’s resources for personal or political gain, but as the current custodian of the state's waters, he would not allow any such exploitation. Mann emphasised that with Punjab upgrading its canal irrigation system, the state now urgently needs water to meet the demands of farmers ahead of the paddy sowing season.
He asserted that Punjab does not have a single drop of water to spare for other states.
The Chief Minister also spoke about ongoing efforts to strengthen the health and education sectors. He said that once sending children to government schools was seen as a compulsion for the poor, but thanks to recent reforms, it has now become a matter of choice and pride, as the quality of public education has significantly improved.
Mann said that sending children to government schools, which was once seen as a compulsion for the common man, has now become a matter of choice, thanks to the transformation in the state’s education system.
He noted that the establishment of Schools of Eminence across Punjab is a key step towards providing quality education and nurturing students for future success. The state government, he said, is fully committed to the welfare of all sections of society, particularly the youth, and is leaving no stone unturned in creating opportunities for them.
Mann emphasised that concerted efforts are being made to prepare students for competitive exams, and their recent academic achievements are a testament to the changing educational landscape. He added that the government’s broader vision is focused on the holistic development of Punjab and the overall prosperity of its people.
Expressing pride, the Chief Minister highlighted that over 54,000 government jobs have been provided to youth purely on the basis of merit, without any trace of corruption or favoritism. He said this transparent recruitment process is empowering young people and enabling them to play a key role in the socio-economic growth of the state.
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