Chandigarh, February 28- The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced a crusade against the menace of drugs. On Friday, he asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendent of Police to take measures. Their goal is to make Punjab a drug-free state within the next three months.

CM Chairs meeting to launch decisive crusade against drugs

The Chief Minister participated in deliberations in a meeting with Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendent of Police. He said that this is a historic moment. The state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs and is launching a crusade against this menace. He said that Punjab Police has a long and glorious history of tackling hostile law and order situations. He expressed hope that the Police will uphold its glorious tradition. They aim to make the state completely drug free with the active support and cooperation of general public. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that the state government will set up special courts. This will ensure speedy trial of drugs cases. It will also ensure conviction of the culprits.

Drug-free : No subsidy to drug peddlers and their family under various government schemes

The Chief Minister said that there is no dearth of funds for this. He assured fulsome support and cooperation to the Police and civil administration for this noble cause. He said that preventive measures should be taken in schools and colleges. This is so that youth don’t fall prey to the scourge of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the supply line of drugs should be snapped. Those selling the drugs should be put behind bars. He added that the state government will ensure that the drug peddlers and their families do not receive any subsidies. This includes free power, water, and other amenities from the government. It is intended to act as a deterrent for the criminals.

Drug-free : Multi pronged strategy finalized to combat the menace

The Chief Minister said that the necessary formalities regarding it will be finalized soon. He added that if any further amendment in the NDPS act is needed to ensure exemplary action against drug peddlers, they will be flagged with the Union government. He said that the war against drugs should become a mass and social campaign. Officers must plan a significant action for this transformation. Citing an example of Narangwal village, Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that illegal property of a drug smuggler was razed on Thursday evening. He said a library will be constructed over the Shamlat land where the house was razed.

Punjab had already won war against militancy in the past

The Chief Minister said that the place from where drugs were sold will be transformed into a place of knowledge sharing to make the youth aware against drug menace. He assured the field officers. They will not face any sort of problem in giving a severe blow to drug menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab had already won war against militancy in the past and now also all the officers will play a major role in curbing the menace of drugs. The Chief Minister said that war against drug has to be won by planning and execution at the micro level for which the officers have to play a proactive role. He said that the state government is already making concerted efforts. They aim to channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is an extraordinary war and out of the box initiatives and steps are required by the state government in general and every officer in particular.

all the officers will be accountable

The Chief Minister asked the Police officers including the Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) to ensure that within three months, there should be no availability of drugs. After a month, the progress of each SSP on the anti-drug programme in the district will be evaluated. He added that all the officers will be accountable. Action will be taken against non-performers. He said that registration of cases should be done against Drug Traffickers adding that ANTF has already supplied the list for this. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the officers to ensure that bails of arrested accused in big / intermediate quantity cases are opposed tooth and nail. The Chief Minister also batted for timely submission of challans in NDPS cases along with on time submission of chemical reports in NDPS cases. He said that comprehensive inquiry and action in all cases of Drug overdose deaths in the districts should be undertaken. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that intensive checking of vehicles to prevent ferrying of drugs both during day and nights should be ensured.

CM directed strict action against police officials involved in consumption / promotion of drugs.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister directed strict action against police officials involved in consumption / promotion of drugs. Likewise, he said that property of convicts in drug smuggling should be seized with immediate effect adding that 100% properties should be seized in commercial quantity cases. Similarly, Bhagwant Singh Mann asked that 100% demolition should be done of illegal properties in commercial quantity cases. The Chief Minister emphasized to the CPs and SSPs the vehement identification of drug hotspots. He insisted that senior officers carry out the CASO Operation every fortnight in every Hotspot area. This operation should also occur in the Jails on a weekly basis. He also said that extensive domination drive day and night (24×7) should be carried in Hotspot areas with the focus on recoveries of Narcotics. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if any drug smuggler misbehaves with the police then it should be dealt with very severely.

DCs should also ensure regular checking of chemist shops.

The Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners, CPs, and SSPs to work together. Their goal is to implement De-addiction and Prevention strategies. He asked the Deputy Commissioners to inspect all the de-addiction, Rehabilitation and OOAT Centers both Government and Private regularly. He said that these centres must be equipped with adequate manpower. This includes psychiatrists, counselors, and others. They also need infrastructure such as testing kits, medicines, and security. Security staff and CCTVs should be in place. Hygiene and other facilities are also necessary. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that DCs should prepare for any potential exigencies. These may arise due to increased patient load. DCs should also ensure regular checking of chemist shops. The Chief Minister requested the DCs to ensure visits by SDMs and Field officials. They should visit the house of victims if there is a Drug Overdose death. They must also visit the families of addicts in general to wipe out the menace. He announced new courses against drug addiction in the School syllabus. The Education department will take the necessary steps. Bhagwant Singh Mann instructed the DCs. They must ensure that relief from the CM Relief Fund is provided in each case of Drug overdose death.

Curriculum to be introduced in schools for making students aware against drugs

The Chief Minister further directed the DCs to ensure families of addicts are provided counseling. They must also be given support. Additionally, the DCs should start a massive outreach and mass contact program. He asked the DCs to coordinate the roles of the School Education, Sports, Health, and Employment Departments. Additionally, they should coordinate the Skill Development Department at the district level. This coordination aims to effectively control the menace of drugs.

District level campaigns to be initiated on war footing

Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the DCs to ensure that every month a mass communication programme against Drugs is organized. This can include Public meetings and camps. It may include Seminars and Cycle Rallies. Human chains, Sports events, and Skill Development events against Drugs might also be organized in their respective district. On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Cheema and Aman Arora were present. Dr Balbir Singh, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, and Laljit Singh Bhullar also attended.