Emphasizing the state government’s unwavering dedication to eradicating the drug menace, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria stated on Friday that the ongoing campaign, known as Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, is strategically focused on dismantling the entire economic infrastructure tied to drug trafficking.

While addressing the eighth session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Governor highlighted that the government has intensified its efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime through significant initiatives, notably the assertive launch of the War against Drugs (Yudh Nasheyan Virudh) on February 25.

He mentioned the formation of a high-powered Cabinet sub-committee, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, aimed at ensuring the success of this campaign. Kataria noted that numerous properties belonging to drug traffickers have been demolished as a clear message of the government’s strong resolve to eliminate the drug problem in the state.

The Governor further stated that the Special Task Force (STF), which has been restructured into the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), is dedicated to enforcing drug laws, rehabilitating victims, and preventing substance abuse.

To promote public awareness, approximately 33,079 meetings have taken place statewide, alongside the establishment of 19,523 Village Defence Committees (VDCs) within just four months. Additionally, a Special Intelligence and Technical Unit has been formed to analyze drug-related data, communications, and financial transactions, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the ANTF.

Kataria reported remarkable progress by the Anti Gangster Task Force and field units in combatting organized crime, resulting in the arrest of 1,588 criminals, the neutralization of 13 gangsters, the dismantling of 571 criminal modules, and the recovery of 1,477 weapons and 327 vehicles involved in criminal activities.

For the protection of the residents of Punjab, the state has implemented comprehensive administrative and legal measures to uphold law and order. He emphasized the government’s advances in counter-intelligence, cybercrime prevention, and modernization, noting that from January 1 to November 28, 2024, the Punjab Police has disrupted nine terror modules and made 59 arrests, along with the recovery of weapons.

The Governor mentioned that the Punjab State Cyber Crime Division is actively addressing cyber threats, having established 28 cyber police stations, implemented continuous social media monitoring, and launched initiatives such as the Cyber Mittar chatbot. He also highlighted significant advancements in health and education sectors, with the provision of medicines worth Rs. 600 crore at market rates and diagnostic tests valued at Rs. 100 crore.

These efforts have notably reduced the financial burden of healthcare on residents by an impressive Rs 1,296 crore. Kataria confirmed that the government is committed to offering X-ray and ultrasound facilities at all District and Sub-Divisional Hospitals and Community Health Centers at affordable rates, alongside the empanelment of 554 private facilities.

A comprehensive improvement plan for District Hospitals has been initiated, with Rs. 150 crore allocated towards civil works and fire safety systems in 16 government hospitals during the 2024-25 fiscal year. To date, 487 hospitals (178 public and 309 private) have been empaneled under this scheme, registering 404 beneficiaries and facilitating healthcare treatments amounting to Rs 42.55 lakh in pre-authorization funds.

Currently, Punjab boasts 12 government and private medical colleges with 1,700 MBBS seats, with plans for five new medical colleges in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Sangrur, SBS Nagar, and Malerkotla underway. He also announced the launch of subsidized transportation for 230 buses operating in Schools of Eminence and girls’ schools.

The Governor reiterated the commitment to providing high-quality education in government schools, with the establishment of 1,970 ICT labs, 7,702 smart classrooms, and 100 Mbps internet connections in 19,120 schools. A total of Rs 568.43 crores has been invested in modernizing school infrastructure, including the construction of additional classrooms and laboratories, and the installation of facilities like libraries and toilets.

Additionally, the state government has ensured access to canal water for farmers, particularly those at the tail end of the irrigation system. In a substantial renovation effort, 77 canals that had been abandoned for 30 to 40 years have been restored, covering approximately 545 kilometers, together with around 16,000 watercourses reclaimed from neglect.

Governor Kataria spoke about successful procurement operations, with 121.31 lakh tons of wheat and 173.58 lakh tons of paddy purchased over the Rabi and Kharif seasons, respectively. An impressive Rs 68,630 crore in Minimum Support Prices has been directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts.

Reflecting on Punjab’s agricultural output, he noted that the state produces about 18% of the country’s wheat, 11% of rice, and 4% of cotton, contributing 24% of the total paddy and 50.4% of the wheat in the central grain reserve. During Kharif 2024, Punjab achieved a record 2.53 lakh acres cultivated under DSR, up from 1.70 lakh acres the previous year—a remarkable 48.8% increase.

To promote high-quality Basmati exports, the Punjab government has banned 10 pesticides traditionally used on Basmati cultivation. Additionally, in support of farmers, the government has been proactive in ensuring timely payments for sugar cane and has implemented a monthly free electricity scheme of 300 units, benefiting 70 lakh households—around 90% of the state’s residential consumers.

Committed to providing government jobs based on merit, the state has issued appointment letters to more than 51,000 candidates across various departments since 2022, ensuring a recruitment process marked by integrity and efficiency.