Former Delhi Chief Minister and National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind Kejriwal, announced on Friday that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to protecting future generations from the drug crisis. Kejriwal expressed his satisfaction with the recent successes of the Punjab Police in dismantling drug networks, emphasizing that the anti-drug initiative is unprecedented in contemporary Indian history.

He commended the eradication of properties built with drug money, which have been demolished by authorities.

Kejriwal criticized previous governments for not only enabling drug dealers but also using state vehicles for their operations. In contrast, he affirmed that the Mann-led administration is taking decisive action against drug-related issues to ensure that the youth do not succumb to addiction. The Nasha Mukti Yatra has successfully reached every village in the state as part of this ambitious effort.

Calling for widespread support from the Punjabi populace in the fight against drugs, he stated that if three crore Punjabis unite, the drug problem could be eradicated in just 24 hours. He believes that a small number of smugglers cannot withstand the collective strength of the people.

The AAP leader outlined a dual strategy for the fight against drugs: curbing smuggling and channeling the positive energy of youth. He asserted that Punjab will soon be free from drug issues and will emerge as a leading state in the country.

Kejriwal congratulated the Mann-led government for the success of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, noting the transformation of villages previously known for drug activity into drug-free areas. In stark contrast to earlier times, when drug lords received government protection, 10,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, including 8,500 major players.

He emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement, with plans for community interactions in approximately 13,000 villages. To harness the positive energy of youth, the government plans to build stadiums in every village and construct 3,000 gyms in larger villages to promote sports across the state.

In what marks the largest drug seizure of 2025, the Tarn Taran Police, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ongoing anti-drug initiative ‘Yudh Nashian De Virudh’, has dismantled a cross-border drug smuggling ring orchestrated by Pakistan’s ISI and operated by a UK-based handler named Lalli. DGP Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, announced on Friday that Lalli’s India-based associate was arrested, resulting in the recovery of 85 kg of heroin.

The suspect, Amarjot Singh, known as Jota Sandhu, used his residence in Bhittewad village, Amritsar, as a primary stash location for the drug operation.

DGP Gaurav Yadav indicated that Amarjot was following Lalli’s directives and was receiving heroin shipments transported by drones from across the border. Investigations have unveiled that he sourced heroin from various border points and distributed it to local suppliers for further distribution throughout Punjab.

Ongoing investigations aim to trace both backward and forward linkages in this case, with additional arrests and recoveries anticipated soon.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran, Abhimanyu Rana, shared that, acting on credible intelligence, a police team from the CIA Staff, led by DSP (D) Gurinderpal Singh Nagra, executed a targeted operation. They apprehended Amarjot Singh near Chabal Road in Tarn Taran, seizing 5 kg of heroin from his Activa scooter.

Upon interrogation, Amarjot revealed that he had hidden two shipments of 40 kg each—one at Rakh Sarai Amanat Khan and another concealed within a washing machine at his Bhittewad residence. Police teams swiftly responded to both locations, successfully recovering the heroin, thus escalating the total seizure to 85 kg.

The SSP mentioned that efforts are ongoing to identify the entire network of suppliers, dealers, buyers, and hawala operators to ascertain the total amount of drugs linked to the arrested individual. A case has been registered under FIR No. 118 dated May 15, 2025, under Sections 21(c) and 25 of the NDPS Act at Tarn Taran City Police Station.

In a quiet yet transformative leap into the digital age, Jharkhand is crafting an inspiring narrative of grassroots empowerment. This initiative is spearheaded not by tech startups or urban centers, but by Anganwadi centers and the dedicated women who operate them.

With the distribution of over 37,810 new smartphones, Sevikas across the state are reshaping the way health, nutrition, and early education services are delivered under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.

“Previously, I depended on my husband’s phone or waited for a family member for help. Now, with my personal smartphone, I can independently verify beneficiaries, enter data, and ensure the prompt delivery of Take-Home Rations,” shares Sarita Kumari, an Anganwadi worker from the Sukuruhuttu center in Ranchi’s Kanke project.

The results have been swift and impressive. The percentage of Aadhaar-verified beneficiaries has jumped from 48.03% (17,44,100) in March 2023 to an astounding 97.22% (30,11,829) by March 2025. Data from 38,523 Anganwadi centers is now streaming into the state dashboard, allowing officials to monitor daily ICDS activities and make informed, data-driven decisions.

This digital transformation is curtailing service leakages, enhancing transparency, and expediting grievance resolution. What was once a sluggish, paper-based bureaucracy is evolving into an efficient governance model—driven by grassroots digital workers.

The smartphone has transcended its role as a mere communication device; it has become a vital tool for care. With real-time tracking of deliveries and attendance, Jharkhand’s Anganwadi network now ensures that services reach nearly 1,205,382 children (ages 6 months to 3 years), 174,036 pregnant women, and 128,795 lactating mothers. Additionally, 450,505 children (ages 3–6) receive regular hot cooked meals. To boost nutritional value, eggs—an important source of protein—are now being served at every Anganwadi center, supported by the state budget.

The capability to distribute health and nutrition awareness content, monitor immunization schedules, and report irregularities from remote areas is enhancing the welfare of children and mothers in remote regions.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Anganwadi centers as community anchors, the state government is investing in the modernization of 16,775 centers with facilities such as LED TVs, RO water systems, power connections, fans, toilets, and access to safe drinking water.

“This goes beyond mere convenience; it’s about dignity and creating spaces that are friendly for both children and women,” stated an official from the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security.

Plans are also in place to establish new centers in 1,200 tribal-majority villages, ensuring marginalized communities receive timely nutrition, health services, and preschool education. Fresh recruitment of Sevikas and Sahiyas is also part of this initiative to manage these new centers.

With smartphones in hand and community trust on their side, Anganwadi workers are evolving from mere service providers to catalysts for progress. In villages once marked by inadequate infrastructure, these women are closing the digital gap, enhancing transparency, and strengthening the connection between the government and the public.

This transformation is in line with the Abua Sarkar (“Our Government”) vision for Jharkhand—where governance not only reaches the people but empowers them to become active participants in development.

In a data-driven world, Jharkhand’s Anganwadi workers demonstrate that digital inclusion at the ground level is not just a policy goal—it’s a living reality, being crafted one tap at a time.