Chandigarh, March 21: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace by targeting the financial networks of traffickers. “Our ‘War on Drugs’ campaign is focused on dismantling the economic fabric of drug traffickers,” he said during his address at the eighth session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Kataria underlined the Mann government’s intensified fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, citing the launch of the Yudh Darussalam campaign on February 25. “To ensure the success of this campaign, a high-level cabinet sub-committee has been formed under Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema,” he said.
Several properties of drug traffickers have already been demolished as part of the crackdown, he added.
The Governor said the Special Task Force (STF) has been reconstituted into the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, tasked with enforcing drug laws, rehabilitating victims, and preventing drug abuse.
“Over 33,000 public awareness meetings have been held, and more than 19,500 Gram Raksha Samitis have been formed in just four months,” he informed. A special intelligence and technical unit has also been set up to analyze drug-related data, communication, and financial transactions, significantly boosting enforcement efforts.
On organized crime, Kataria said the Anti-Gangster Task Force has made major strides. “The force arrested 1,588 criminals, neutralized 13 gangsters, and busted 571 criminal gangs, seizing 1,477 weapons and 327 vehicles used in crimes,” he revealed.
Calling attention to the healthcare and education reforms, the Governor said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are operational across Punjab. “These clinics have provided services to 2.98 crore patients and conducted over 90 lakh diagnostic tests so far,” he said. Free medicines worth ₹600 crore and diagnostic tests worth ₹100 crore have been provided, reducing healthcare expenses for citizens by ₹1,296 crore.
Kataria also announced plans to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. “X-ray and ultrasound facilities will be available in all district, sub-divisional hospitals, and community health centers.
To achieve this, 554 private diagnostic centers have been listed, with the government covering the additional cost,” he explained. The initiative will cost ₹53 crore over the next 12 months.
On road safety, he pointed up the Farishte Yojana, launched on January 25, 2024, to reduce fatalities from road accidents.
“So far, 487 government and private hospitals have been listed under the scheme, providing treatment to 404 beneficiaries, with a pre-approved amount of ₹42.55 lakh,” he said.
The Governor also announced plans to expand medical education. “We are establishing three new medical colleges in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Malerkotla under centrally sponsored schemes, and two more in Sangrur and SBS Nagar with state funds,” he stated.
