Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced the formation of Anti-Drug Task Forces from the state level down to villages and wards as part of an intensified campaign to eradicate drug abuse. Calling the fight against narcotics a social responsibility rather than just a law-and-order issue, the Chief Minister urged citizens to transform the ‘Drug-Free Haryana’ initiative into a mass movement.
He made the announcement while addressing the ‘Ek Police, Ek Sankalp – Drug-Free Haryana’ programme at the Haryana Police Academy in Madhuban, Karnal, where Station House Officers (SHOs) from across the state gathered to discuss strategies to eliminate drug trafficking and addiction.
Task forces to be formed from state to village level
The Chief Minister said anti-drug task forces will be constituted at the state, district, subdivision, block, village and ward levels to strengthen the campaign against narcotics.
The task forces will include public representatives, police officers, officials from the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments, along with members of voluntary organisations, youth clubs, women’s groups, chemists’ associations and prominent citizens.
According to Saini, community participation is essential to break drug networks and prevent addiction among young people.
Police asked to dismantle drug networks, not just arrest traffickers
The Chief Minister said the drug trade has become more sophisticated, using social media, digital platforms and organised crime networks to target youth.
He directed police officers to go beyond arrests and focus on dismantling entire drug supply chains through intelligence-led operations and modern technology.
Saini also urged every police station to function as a centre of social awareness by engaging with schools, colleges, village panchayats, religious institutions and youth organisations to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse.
Government announces new measures to strengthen campaign
To enhance enforcement and rehabilitation efforts, the Chief Minister announced several key initiatives, including:
- Increase in the Investigation Head fund to ₹10 crore for better implementation of new criminal laws.
- A separate reward policy for police personnel showing outstanding performance against drug traffickers.
- Development of a software-based monitoring system to prevent misuse of dual-purpose medicines.
- Establishment of modern de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in every district, with priority for highly affected areas.
- Improved healthcare facilities for police personnel through deputation of medical officers.
- Consultations with media organisations and content creators to curb the glorification of gangsters and criminals on digital platforms.
He also announced that SHOs who successfully make their jurisdictions drug-free would be recognised by the state government after due verification, encouraging healthy competition among police officers.
Sports and awareness key to protecting youth
Saini said the government aims to keep young people away from drugs by encouraging greater participation in sports.
He reiterated Haryana’s vision of becoming a sports hub where youth focus on achieving excellence instead of falling into addiction. He added that healthy, disciplined and sports-oriented youth would play a crucial role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Chief Minister also congratulated 70 students of the Super-100 programme who recently qualified the NEET examination and secured admission to medical colleges, describing their success as proof that quality education and better opportunities can transform lives.
Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said Haryana Police is continuing statewide operations against drug traffickers while simultaneously running awareness campaigns to educate the public, particularly young people, about the harmful effects of narcotics.