Chandigarh, June 6: A specialized fleet of e-rickshaws has expanded Punjab’s premier anti-drug initiative into 3,440 rural communities, establishing a new localized network for rehabilitation support and anonymous reporting.
The outreach drive operates across 86 assembly segments as a core component of the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ movement. Under the pilot framework, every designated vehicle travels across a cluster of 40 villages within 23 districts to deliver educational materials, present recovery options, and gather confidential tips regarding local narcotics distribution.
“The e-rickshaw campaign is another feather in Mann government’s cap,” Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated regarding the rollout. “In addition to collecting tip-offs from the community in a safe and anonymous manner, the e-rickshaws are also helping in initiating dialogue at the community level about the social and financial consequences of drug addiction.”
Local Village Defence Committees are managing the field data and monitoring public response to ensure structural accountability. Early assessment reports indicate a notable rise in town-hall attendance and improved information sharing between residents and law enforcement since the mobile units began navigating rural corridors.
A month-long evaluation schedule will track the campaign’s progress throughout June. Lawmakers, administrative officers, and security heads are gathering this week to analyze community feedback, leading up to a final policy review by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to determine long-term strategies for the program.
