SAS Nagar, January 4, 2026:- Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today said that the state government’s flagship anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheya Virudh’ has achieved unprecedented success, with nearly 20,000 drug addicts freed from the clutches of drug abuse so far.
Addressing the Yudh Nasheya Virudh Training Workshop of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department Employees at Mohali, the Minister said that de-addiction centres across several parts of Punjab are now witnessing no new fresh cases, reflecting the strong impact of the comprehensive strategy adopted by the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that encouraged by the remarkable outcomes of the first phase, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government will soon launch Phase-II of ‘Yudh Nasheya Virudh’ with the aim of completely eliminating the drug menace from the state. The second phase will focus on sustained monitoring, community involvement and long-term rehabilitation of recovered individuals.
The Health Minister further stated that rehabilitated and de-addicted youth will be presented as role models, inspiring society, especially the younger generation, to stay away from drugs and adopt a healthy and purposeful life.
Emphasizing the role of grassroots institutions, Dr. Balbir Singh said that Panchayats and village-level officials are vital partners in the anti-drug movement. He urged Panchayat Department employees to remain vigilant, spread awareness and support families in preventing substance abuse.
Reiterating the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s unwavering commitment, the Minister said that the fight against drugs is a collective mission and a people’s movement, aimed at protecting Punjab’s youth and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the state.