Impact of Punjab Government’s Initiative: Drug-Free Message Resonates Across 3,440 Villages

June 19, 2026

The Punjab Government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign is rapidly evolving into a mass movement as the state intensifies its efforts to make Punjab drug-free. As part of the initiative, specially deployed e-rickshaws have carried the anti-drug message to 3,440 villages across the state.

Operating in 86 Assembly constituencies, the campaign is not only raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse but also mobilizing communities to unite against the menace. Under the pilot phase of the campaign, one Assembly constituency was selected from each of Punjab’s 23 districts.

An e-rickshaw was deployed in each selected constituency, covering approximately 40 villages. The initiative aims to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse while also gathering confidential information regarding drug traffickers and individuals in need of de-addiction treatment. With its outreach now extending to 3,440 villages, the campaign has reached nearly one-third of Punjab’s total villages.

The e-rickshaws are helping deliver anti-drug awareness messages to areas that are often difficult to access through conventional outreach efforts. Traveling from village to village, they educate residents about the harmful effects of substance abuse, available rehabilitation options, and the importance of community participation in combating the drug problem. The initiative forms part of the Punjab Government’s broader strategy to involve local communities in the fight against drugs.

At the grassroots level, Village Defence Committees (VDCs) have been entrusted with monitoring the campaign’s effectiveness and providing feedback to the government. According to reports received from several districts, VDC members have responded positively to the initiative. They have noted increased public participation in awareness programs, higher attendance at village-level meetings, and improved communication between residents and local authorities on issues related to drug abuse and trafficking.

Review Meetings Underway Across Punjab

Feedback gathered through the campaign is being extensively discussed during a series of review meetings being held throughout June. Under the established review mechanism, Assembly-level meetings are being conducted during the first week of June, involving local legislators, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), Station House Officers (SHOs), VDC conveners, and executive chairpersons. Feedback from VDC representatives is being collected and assessed.

During the second week of June, VDC meetings will be held with the participation of block coordinators, VDC conveners, executive heads, and committee members. These meetings will review actions taken on previously reported complaints, assess new grievances, and evaluate the overall progress of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign at the village level.

In the third week of June, ministers and senior civil and police administration officials will conduct review meetings to assess the status of complaints and gather feedback from Assembly and block-level coordinators. During the final week of the month, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will personally review the campaign’s progress, examine the status of pending complaints, and outline future action plans.

This structured review process reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to accountability, continuous monitoring, and community participation in its anti-drug initiatives. The meetings are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of various measures undertaken under the campaign while incorporating feedback from VDC coordinators, executive members, block coordinators, and local representatives.

Speaking about the initiative, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh described the e-rickshaw campaign as another significant milestone in the government’s efforts to combat drug abuse.

“The e-rickshaw initiative represents an important achievement of the government. In addition to collecting information from citizens in a safe and confidential manner, these mobile units are helping create meaningful dialogue about the social and economic impact of drug abuse and the pathways to recovery. Local residents have shown considerable interest in the outreach programs conducted through these mobile units, transforming the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign into a true people’s movement.”

The Punjab Government believes that the fight against drug abuse cannot be won through enforcement measures alone. Public awareness, community participation, and local-level accountability remain central to the campaign’s success. For this reason, the e-rickshaw initiative is being viewed as an effective tool in strengthening the state’s ongoing battle against drugs.