Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday reaffirmed the state government's intensified efforts to combat the drug menace in Punjab.
Addressing the Punjab Assembly on the first day of the Budget Session, he stated that several properties of alleged drug traffickers had been demolished, sending a strong message about the government's firm commitment to eradicating drugs from the state.
Highlighting the government's ongoing crackdown, Kataria emphasised that the anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh,' was specifically focused on breaking the economic chain within the drug network. To ensure the success of this campaign, a high-powered Cabinet sub-committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
This committee has been tasked with devising strategies to dismantle drug trafficking operations and curb the financial power of those involved in the illicit trade.
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), a strengthened and restructured version of the Special Task Force (STF), has been set up to enforce drug laws, rehabilitate victims, and prevent substance abuse. According to Kataria, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and field units have also made significant progress in combating organised crime.
The governor reported that law enforcement agencies had successfully arrested 1,588 criminals, neutralized 13 gangsters, busted 571 criminal modules, and recovered 1,477 weapons and 327 vehicles used in various crimes.
In addition to addressing organized crime, the state government has taken strong action against financial crimes. Kataria revealed that 386 criminal cases had been registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), involving 957 government officials and private individuals in economic offenses.
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The State Vigilance Bureau, which has been actively working against corruption, has arrested 826 accused individuals, while 132 have already been convicted.
The governor also spoke about Punjab’s efforts to revamp its agricultural sector. He announced the formation of an 11-member committee to draft an agricultural policy that aligns with Punjab’s environment, culture, and crop patterns.
This policy aims to promote sustainable agriculture, protect natural resources, and increase farmers' income by implementing long-term strategic plans.
Discussing healthcare advancements, Kataria highlighted the success of Aam Aadmi Clinics, with 881 such clinics currently operational across the state. He stated that 2.98 crore patients had availed health services at these clinics, where more than 90 lakh diagnostic lab tests have been conducted.
To ensure affordable medical care, medicines worth Rs 600 crore at market rates and diagnostic tests worth ₹100 crore have been provided to patients free of cost.
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The Punjab government has also committed to expanding access to free medicines in government hospitals. The governor revealed that an estimated ₹200 crore would be allocated for purchasing medicines and consumables in the upcoming financial year 2025-26.
Furthermore, a comprehensive plan has been formulated to upgrade the infrastructure of all district hospitals over the next three years, ensuring better medical facilities for the public.
Governor Kataria’s address reinforced the Punjab government’s multi-pronged approach to tackling crime, corruption, healthcare, and agriculture, with a strong emphasis on dismantling drug cartels, improving law enforcement, and enhancing public welfare initiatives.
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