Punjab’s War on Drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Vows to Eradicate the Menace
In a significant development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has reiterated his government’s commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs from the state. Speaking to a gathering of Village Defence Committee (VDC) volunteers in Ludhiana, CM Mann said that the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ (war against drugs) will continue until every ounce of the menace is eliminated from Punjab.
500 Days of Success
The ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign has completed 500 days, during which 70,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, while 1.25 lakh volunteers across 13,000 villages have emerged as the backbone of the movement. CM Mann credited the people of Punjab for turning both the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and the Village Defence Committees into a people’s movement.
A Scathing Attack on Previous Governments
CM Mann launched a scathing attack on previous governments, saying that the Akali Dal introduced drugs and the Congress patronised the menace. He said that the AAP Government has broken the backbone of the drug trade through strict action against smugglers, treatment and rehabilitation of victims, and an unprecedented public awareness campaign.
Punjab’s Transformation
CM Mann said that Punjab, once branded as ‘Udta Punjab’, is now transforming into ‘Padhta Te Tandrust Punjab’, as reflected in the state’s top ranking in school education, record JEE and NEET success, and merit-based employment. He reiterated that the fight against drugs will continue until Punjab becomes completely drug-free.
Education Revolution
CM Mann said that the AAP Government has upgraded primary and middle-school education, strengthened the overall system, introduced smart classrooms, and ensured advanced training for teachers. He added that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle-school education.
NEET Success
CM Mann said that for the last four years, the state government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods, and smart classrooms, due to which Punjab now occupies the top position. He added that while only 80 students from Punjab Government schools had qualified the NEET examination in 2021, the number has increased to 881 students in 2026, the highest-ever achievement by Punjab Government schools.
Healthcare Revolution
CM Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first scheme of its kind in the country, which provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. He added that people have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹937 crore under the scheme.
Sports and Employment
CM Mann said that a total of 3,100 sports grounds are being developed across all districts of Punjab to promote a sporting culture in the state. He added that the AAP Government is successfully organising ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’, in which three generations of a family, from grandparents to grandchildren, participate together.
CM Mann also said that the era of cash-for-jobs and favouritism has ended in Punjab, and government jobs are being provided purely on the basis of merit and eligibility. He added that prominent companies including Sanatan Textiles, Nestlé, CLAAS, Freudenberg, Cargill, Verbio, Danone, and several others have already commenced operations in Punjab.
A New Era for Punjab
CM Mann said that his government’s endeavour is to place tiffins in the hands of youth instead of ‘syringes’ by creating employment opportunities. He added that the AAP Government is committed to eliminating unemployment, which is the root cause of several social problems.
A Message to the People
CM Mann said that he is indebted to all those serving Punjab in the true spirit and added that their determination proves that any challenge, however big, can be overcome with collective resolve. He urged the people of Punjab to come together to build a ‘Rangla Punjab’ and to make the state completely drug-free.
With the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign entering its 500th day, CM Mann’s message is clear: Punjab will not rest until every ounce of the menace is eliminated from the state.