A mass movement against drugs must be mobilized in Punjab; otherwise problem will persist for generations: Governor Kataria

April 14, 2026

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria believes that the fight against drugs in Punjab must be transformed into a mass movement; only then can this problem be effectively overcome. However, he explicitly stated that no predetermined timeframe can be set for the complete eradication of the drug menace.

 

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Dainik Savera Conclave: Punjab Vision 2026, Kataria said that, alongside the drug crisis, law and order constitutes Punjab’s second-largest challenge-a challenge that has now engulfed even Chandigarh.

 

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that there has been some decline in drug-related issues within Punjab’s border regions. During an interaction with Dainik Savera journalists Arshdeep Kaur, Neel Balwinder, Rimanshu Gaba, and Pamil Bhatia, the Governor candidly answered a range of questions.

Question: What has been your experience serving as the Governor of Punjab and the Administrator of Chandigarh?

Answer: Since arriving in Punjab, I have found many things to be truly commendable. Chandigarh was established in ameticulously planned manner, and subsequent generations have successfully preserved its integrity to this day. Typically, when cities are initially established, they are pristine; however, due to a failure to maintain them over time, their aesthetic appeal often deteriorates. Yet, even after such a long journey, the structural integrity of this city remains remarkably sound. I believe that there is hardly another city-not just within our country, but perhaps in the entire world-that possesses such beauty.

 

Question: You have organized awareness marches against drugs across Punjab. You have raised your voice against drug abuse, particularly in the border regions. Can Punjab youth break free from the clutches of drugs and how?

Answer: Drug abuse is the primary problem plaguing Punjab. I conducted a comprehensive review interacting with the denizens, leading me to this conclusion. Especially in the border areas, mothers and sisters pleaded with me, saying, “Governor Sahib, do whatever else you can, but please save our children from the scourge of drugs.” This was a source of immense anguish. Youth are not merely consuming drugs; but are involved in the illicit trade, working as drug couriers. This makes challenge more formidable. Thus, I undertook these outreach campaigns. I am by no means the first person to raise a voice against drug abuse; many have been striving to do so, within their purview. I want to foster a network for a mass movement; it being the only headway. My follow up visits bring some satisfaction with perceptible decline.

 

 

Question: Drug abuse has been a major political issue in Punjab. Politicians have made various claims regarding its eradication. Some took an oath on the “Gutka Sahib” vowing to wipe out drugs within a month; others claimed they would do it the blink of an eye. You have also been travelling across Punjab what is your evaluation?

 

Answer: Setting a specific deadline for this is no easy task. The problem has truly penetrated to the very roots of society. However, one thing is certain: this government, too, has made significant efforts since last Approximately March. 41,000 cases have been registered, around 53,000 individuals have been arrested, large quantities of narcotics have been seized and homes of offenders bulldozed. Force of law alone is not sufficient a mass movement at the grassroots level is required Furthermore, this illicit trade cannot operate without the involvement of influential figures. Pakistan too with specific intent of destabilizing India smuggles in consignments of narcotics and weapons. Everyone must join hands for a collective effort. We cannot sit idle otherwise, a lifetime will not suffice to solve this problem.

 

Question: You mentioned that during your initial travels through the border regions, situation regarding drug abuse appeared quite grave. However, upon your subsequent visit, you observed some improvement. So, will there be a third leg of your campaign too? The rapport between you and Punjab CM appears to be remarkably unlike non- BJP-ruled states In Punjab as well, there was friction in your predecessor and the CM; how, then, did this dynamic change with your arrival?

 

Answer: It has been my firm belief from the very beginning that if we sit across the table and engage in dialogue specifically to understand an issue and find a resolution half the problem is already solved. Our ideologies may differ, but ultimately, both of us are working for the public. There can be no divergence regarding the work that needs to be done; the only differences may lie in our respective approaches and mindsets. Consequently, I made it a point to discuss any matter that I did not fully comprehend. I would simply state that my opinion on a particular subject differed. This issue arises particularly in the appointment of Vice- Chancellors. I conveyed to him that I have no personal candidate whom I wish to see appointed as Vice-Chancellor. My only request was that the selection committee panel should comprise the names of three competent individuals, so that- regardless of which one is chosen-there would be no cause for concern. Conversely, if the selection committee were to submit a panel consisting of one capable candidate and two unsuitable ones, and one of the latter were to be selected, that would be fundamentally wrong.

 

Question: When Will the Chandigarh Metro Be Built?

 

Answer: The idea of introducing a metro system in Chandigarh is sound; however, a metro confined solely within the city’s boundaries will not be successful. Chandigarh is a heritage city, which means the entire metro network here would have to be constructed underground. This would entail exorbitant costs and would fail to attract sufficient passenger traffic. I have held discussions with the Union Minister for Urban Development, Manohar Lal Khattar, regarding this matter. The Chandigarh Metro project must necessarily incorporate neighboring cities-such as Mohali, Panchkula, Ambala, and others-into its network. The ongoing dialogue with the Centre centers on the need to revise the metro’s operational model. The objective is to integrate select cities from Punjab and Haryana to render the project economically viable, thereby ensuring that the metro reaches two or three key hubs within Chandigarh, while the remaining routes within the city are serviced and connected via e-buses.

 

Question: A Bypass for Chandigarh?

Answer: Executing development projects in Chandigarh presents significant challenges. Obtaining approval for flyovers, for instance, is rarely a straightforward process. We have, with considerable effort, finally secured approval for a 19-kilometer, six-lane bypass. We will strive to complete this project as expeditiously as possible; nevertheless, it is expected to take another two to two- and-a-half years to materialize. Once completed, heavy vehicles will be diverted to bypass the city entirely, thereby providing Chandigarh with some much-needed relief from traffic congestion. Efforts are also currently underway to construct one vehicular underpass and one railway underpass.

 

Question: Provision for New Hospitals?

 

Answer: Every day, thousands of people from surrounding areas visit the PGI (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) in Chandigarh. This influx places an additional strain on the city’s traffic infrastructure. We have devised specific solutions to address this issue as well. For instance, we have significantly enhanced patient care facilities at the Medical College. Furthermore, we maintain a network of 48 dispensaries; we have undertaken extensive renovation and upgradation work on these facilities- including the expansion of available amenities to ensure that residents can access the full spectrum of healthcare services, from diagnostic testing to medical treatment, right within their local dispensaries.

For the first time, we made an effort to ensure that Outpatient Department (OPD) services are available not only in the morning but also in the evening; this allows daily wage earners, should they fall ill, to consult a doctor at these dispensaries during the evening hours. This ensures that if any health issue arises late in the evening, they do not have to rush directly to the emergency ward. We have secured approval for a hospital project worth Rs 23 crore. Furthermore, with the assistance of NITI Aayog, we are in the process of securing approval for a 1,000-bed hospital. Of these, 500 beds will be specifically designated for women and children. The land required for this project has already been identified.

 

 

 

Question: So, did you effectively delegate the authority to CM to finalize the name of whoever he wished to appoint as Vice-Chancellor?

Answer: I engage in a dialogue with him. Occasionally, if a particular candidate does not inspire my confidence, I have their background thoroughly vetted. Subsequently, I summon the Chief Minister to discuss the matter and share my perspective. Furthermore, whenever an official government file comes up for consideration and there happens to be a difference of opinion, we make every effort to resolve it through mutual discussion. If, despite these efforts, the matter remains unresolved, I suggest that we seek legal counsel to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue before arriving at a final decision.

 

Question: Do you maintain regular contact with Mr. Mann over the phone?

Answer: He is younger than me in age, and furthermore, we hold each other in high regard. We have participated in numerous meetings and events together. We have also attended each other’s family functions. Therefore, I believe that if we work together, it will be for the betterment of the state. If we proceed with divergent views- even if it satisfies our egos-it is ultimately the state that will suffer the loss.

 

 

Question: A major grievance regarding Punjab concerns the state of law and order. Leaders from various political parties have been approaching you with memorandums on this matter. How do you view this problem? What solutions do you envision? What discussions are currently underway between you and the Punjab government regarding this issue?

 

Answer: No one would describe the law and order situation in Punjab as good and I, myself, certainly do not. It is, undoubtedly, a significant challenge. The ongoing gang warfare, in particular, is a matter of grave concern. Criminal gangs are being operated from within the jails. I have summoned the DGP and other officials on several occasions to hold discussions; I have also spoken with the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) in areas where incidents have occurred, in an effort to gain a better understanding of the situation.

 

I acknowledge that, in most instances where crimes have taken place, we have succeeded in apprehending those involved; however, the sheer frequency and manner in which these criminal incidents are occurring are sending a message across the entire country that law and order in Punjab is in disarray. And the primary prerequisite for the development of any state is, precisely, a robust law and order framework. That remains a persistent challenge here. Now, this challenge has extended beyond Punjab and has reached Chandigarh as well.

 

The nature of the incidents that have occurred in Chandigarh over the past two months has compelled us to take significant remedial action. It becomes a serious problem if fear takes root in the minds of the public. Here, one can find individuals willing to set off firecrackers for as little as five thousand rupees. While these individuals may not be masterminds, their actions nonetheless succeed in instilling fear within the public psyche. This needs to be curbed, and both the Punjab government and our government are making rigorous efforts in this direction.

 

Question: You have heaped praise upon Chandigarh, hailing it as the ‘City Beautiful’; however, much like Punjab, Chandigarh too faces a drug problem, and the law- and-order situation is deteriorating. As Administrator Chandigarh, the of what actions do you believe should be taken to rein in this issue?

 

Answer: We receive information-both from the public and through our own sources- indicating that drugs are indeed being sold in Chandigarh. We do take action in response to this, though it would be incorrect to claim that we have achieved 100% on success. Work this matter is currently underway.