Chandigarh, September 14:- Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria has given the Chandigarh Police and administration time until September 30 to completely eliminate drugs from the city. He clearly warned that if the sale of drugs is found in any area after the stipulated date, strict administrative action will be taken against the concerned SHO and field staff.
The Governor made these remarks while attending the first anniversary function of 'The Senior Journalists Forum' as the chief guest at the Law Auditorium in Sector 37, Chandigarh.

Main Campaign and Key Directions of the Governor
Breaking the nexus between officials and smugglers: The Governor said that no illegal trade can operate without the connivance of police and administrative officials. He reiterated his resolve to break this nexus under all circumstances.
Monitoring through secret teams: Informers and the Governor's own independent teams will work in the field so that smugglers and guilty officials can be caught red-handed.
Social participation: He said that eliminating drugs is not only the responsibility of the government but a collective responsibility of the entire society. Referring to the historical sacrifices of Punjabis and the spirit of community solidarity, he appealed to everyone to unite to save future generations.
Model city, education and employment: Chandigarh will be developed as a major centre for education and sports. Youth recovering from drug addiction will be connected with employment in the private sector through sports and according to their qualifications.
Janata Darbar: For resolving people's problems, the Governor reiterated that his doors would remain open and that a 'Janata Darbar' would be held every Wednesday.

Role of Journalism and Views of Ramesh Vinayak
Describing journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy, the Governor said that what a sword cannot accomplish can be achieved by a journalist's pen, provided the pen is impartial and truthful.
Hindustan Times Executive Editor Ramesh Vinayak, while sharing his views, said:
Credibility of print media: Despite the growing influence of social media and political pressure, print media continues to have the highest credibility in society today and this can never come to an end.
Freedom of media: Despite attempts by political forces to suppress the media, journalists are performing their duties in a transparent and impartial manner. He called upon journalists to unite.
Besides this, senior journalists Jagtar Singh, Harish Manav and others also shared their views.

Governor's Approach to the Forum's Demands
Health insurance: The Governor said that under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Yojana, the citizens of the country are receiving insurance cover, but special emergency cases of journalists would be considered sympathetically.
Journalist Bhawan: Due to the directions of MHA, new land cannot be allotted, but the Forum can identify any vacant/unused government building and submit a proposal.

Personalities Honoured
During the function, the following personalities who made commendable contributions in the fields of social service, medical care and education were specially honoured by the Governor:

Medical and Healthcare Leaders
Prof. (Dr.) Ravneet Kaur – Director Principal, GMCH Chandigarh
Prof. (Dr.) Yashpal Sharma – Department of Cardiology, PGIMER
Dr. Ravi Gupta – Chairman and Head of Department (Orthopaedics), Paras Hospital Panchkula
Prof. (Dr.) Harshinder Kaur – Professor (Paediatric Surgery), Rajindra Hospital Patiala (author and social worker)

Education and University Leaders
Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kumar – Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University
Dr. Zora Singh – Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University
Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Singh – President, Desh Bhagat University Americas

At the end of the function, the office-bearers of the Forum cut a cake, followed by an interesting performance of Malwai Bhangra by senior citizens under the leadership of Pritam Rupal. On the occasion, Patron Sukhdev Singh, President Jagtar Singh Sidhu, Chairman A.S. Parashar, General Secretary Keval Bharti, Treasurer Surinder Singh Groa, Vice President P.J.S. Trehan, Senior Journalist Nitin Jain and a large number of Forum members were present.