Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/June 8 : Addressing a press conference today at D.A.V. College of Education, Hoshiarpur, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria stated that public awareness against drug abuse in Punjab is increasing, and it is now taking the form of a mass movement. He praised the strong measures taken by the Punjab Government and noted that these are bringing positive change in society, as people are uniting against drug abuse.
The Governor stressed that the drug problem cannot be solved by the government alone. Every section of society — parents, teachers, youth, general public, and administration — must play an active role together. He identified unemployment and idleness as root causes of addiction, and emphasized that connecting youth with employment and constructive activities can help them stay away from drugs.
He also urged educational institutions to contribute by forming teams and sending students to villages to understand ground realities. This, he said, can potentially reduce drug addiction by up to 50 percent.
Highlighting the vital role of mothers, the Governor said that mothers are the most influential figures in a child’s life and are crucial in keeping children away from bad company and drug abuse. He appealed to parents to involve children in farming, business, and sports, and to instill a strong work ethic in them.
Earlier, while addressing members of Village/Ward Defence Committees, the Governor emphasized their critical role in the anti-drug campaign. He appealed to the administration to strengthen these committees so they can play a decisive role in identifying and stopping drug traffickers.
Governor Kataria described Punjab as a land of brave hearts, saints, and martyrs, which has always been at the forefront — from the freedom struggle to national defense and food production. He said that in order to restore Punjab’s past glory and leadership, a decisive war against drugs is necessary.
He reiterated that this battle against drugs will only succeed when the administration, society, parents, youth, and every citizen stand united. “Whatever task you are given, do it with dedication. A person’s respect comes from their character, not wealth,” he added.
During the event, Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain briefed the Governor in detail about the district’s ongoing anti-drug efforts. She informed that the number of beds in government de-addiction centers has been increased from 100 to 460, and in private centers from 70 to 222. She also mentioned that three new psychiatrists have been appointed in Tanda, Mukerian, and Garhshankar. Additionally, three new Opioid Treatment (OT) centers are being set up in the district.
She said door-to-door awareness teams are being deployed in hot spot areas to educate the public, and the district police are playing an active role — not only arresting major drug traffickers but also seizing their properties. She assured the Governor that Hoshiarpur will soon be 100% drug-free.
Present at the event were Governor’s Secretary Vivek Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain, SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik, ADC (General) Amarbeer Kaur Bhullar, SDM Hoshiarpur Gursimranjeet Kaur, and DAV College of Education’s Vidhi Bhalla.
