Panchayats must play key role in combating drug abuse: Dy Speaker

Punjab Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri emphasised the vital role of village panchayats in curbing drug addiction among the youth while addressing a drug awareness camp at Gurdwara Sahib in Mahitabpur village, Garhshankar. He stated that the state government is making significant efforts to make Punjab a drug-free state, and the results of these initiatives are now becoming evident.

Rouri urged panchayats to take moral responsibility for ensuring that the youth in their villages are not drawn toward drugs. “The responsibility of panchayats goes beyond village development. They must act as a guiding force to protect the youth from the menace of drug addiction,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted the government’s ongoing awareness campaigns that extend to villages and neighbourhoods to involve every citizen in the fight against drugs. He reiterated that the government’s vision of a “Rangla Punjab” can only be achieved by channelling the energy of the youth into sports and other positive activities. The government is also committed to rehabilitating individuals trapped in addiction.

During the event, several young individuals who had successfully overcome drug addiction shared their stories, describing how they escaped the grip of drugs and transformed their lives.

Rouri appealed to sarpanchs and panchs to actively support the government in its anti-drug efforts by promoting awareness campaigns in their villages.