Moga village shows the way, offers Rs 11K to families of reformed addicts

A Moga village has launched an initiative to award Rs 11,000 to the families whose members shun drugs and alcohol, the first such announcement by any panchayat in the state.

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Ransih Kalan village panchayat in Nihal Singh Wala subdivision also announced a monthly stipend of Rs 1,100 for a year to those undergoing treatment at de-addiction centres.

On Saturday, 30 families were given Rs 11,000 each.

Moga Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia lauded the move.

“The village panchayat is very progressive and has taken a commendable initiative. Appreciation certificates were also presented to these families,” he told The Tribune.

“The village panchayat has also announced a monthly nutrition allowance of Rs 1,100 for a year to each person undergoing de-addiction treatment,” he added.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to other panchayats to draw inspiration from it and work towards making their villages drug-free.

Meanwhile, sarpanch Mintu said apart from it, their village had launched an initiative in 2019 to make the area plastic-free.

The initiative was started under the “Ransinh Kalan Banuga Punjab di Shaan” campaign.

“Under this campaign, any village resident who collects and submits plastic waste is rewarded with an equivalent amount of sugar,” he said.

He said as part of the “Plant Trees, Save Environment and Earn Money” campaign, village residents were given fruit and flower bearing saplings, along with cash incentive, to encourage environmental conservation.

Additionally, those who read books are also rewarded with money, promoting education and learning.

He claimed that Ransih Kalan was a model village where even sewage water was being treated and reused for agricultural purposes, ensuring sustainability and efficient resource management.