Punjab cabinet reviews drug, socio‑economic census plan

March 22, 2026

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, recently convened to review major initiatives addressing the state’s pressing drug problem and the launch of a first‑ever drug and socio‑economic census. The meeting focussed on the implementation roadmap for the census, preparedness at administrative levels, and measures to strengthen the state’s ongoing anti‑drug campaign.

The census, slated to begin across Punjab in April 2026, is designed to gather reliable data about the extent of drug abuse, the number of users, de‑addiction infrastructure and the socio‑economic conditions of affected families — information that officials say will inform evidence‑based policy decisions.

Goals of the Drug and Socio‑Economic Census

The upcoming census is part of the government’s strategy to tackle the complex drug menace scientifically. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has previously stated the exercise aims to provide precise data on drug addiction prevalence and socio‑economic factors such as poverty, unemployment and education levels.

Officials underscored that the census would help identify not just the scale of addiction, but also critical links between drug abuse and broader social issues. This baseline data is expected to support better planning of welfare measures, de‑addiction programmes, community engagement models and targeted enforcement strategies.

To ensure accuracy, the government has reportedly completed key preparatory steps, including the development of a dedicated software platform for data collection and the training of field personnel ahead of the launch.

Debate Over Teacher Involvement

The cabinet’s broader strategy also includes mobilising manpower for the census. However, recent government directives requiring teachers to register as enumerators have sparked protests from education unions, who argue that such duties distract educators from core academic work.

Teacher unions contend that survey duties traditionally fall outside their professional responsibilities, and that alternatives like involving unemployed youth or volunteers would be more effective and less disruptive. They have voiced concerns that compulsory census work could affect classroom teaching and student outcomes, despite the offered stipend.

This disagreement has prompted calls for the state administration to reassess its strategy for deploying personnel for the census without burdening teachers unnecessarily.

Ongoing Fight Against Drugs

The cabinet meeting also reviewed progress in the state’s long‑running anti‑drug campaign, known locally as “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh.” The campaign emphasizes enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation and community participation to curb drug trafficking and addiction.

Government reports note a considerable number of arrests, seizures and prosecutions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, reflecting intensified crackdowns over the past year.

Officials say that the data expected from the upcoming census will complement these enforcement efforts by highlighting at‑risk demographics and driving more focused outreach programmes.

Strengthening Policy with Data

Cabinet ministers reiterated that the combination of robust enforcement and the new census data will enable policymakers to craft targeted solutions to the drug problem. The initiative is also aligned with broader socio‑economic development priorities, such as improved health services and social security measures, to ensure addicts have access to rehabilitation and support structures.

Officials stressed that a scientific understanding of the socio‑economic roots of addiction will help tailor interventions that go beyond punitive measures, incorporating education, employment support and community engagement where needed.