Chandigarh, March 23: The Punjab government has reported significant ground-level impact from its “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign, citing a growing number of successful reintegration cases involving former substance users. By prioritizing employment and vocational training alongside medical treatment, the Bhagwant Mann administration is addressing the economic vulnerabilities that often lead to drug dependence.
Balwinder Singh (name changed), a former trader, described how substance use had eroded his health and professional reputation before he entered a state-run rehabilitation center. He stated that the comprehensive treatment and subsequent follow-up care allowed him to begin rebuilding his life with renewed health. Government representatives affirmed that the campaign’s success is rooted in its ability to offer more than just medical intervention, providing a “second chance” through social acceptance and financial stability.
The state’s strategy involves constant monitoring and counseling to ensure that recovery translates into long-term success. Education and career rebuilding have become central themes, as reflected in the experiences of students who had previously fallen into addiction through peer influence. The government maintained that by fostering a supportive environment at both the family and professional levels, the stigma associated with recovery is being reduced, allowing individuals to return to their studies and trades.
“At first it feels enjoyable, but eventually it destroys everything,” Balwinder noted, reflecting on his past. He affirmed that the current path to recovery, supported by the state’s anti-drug framework, has given him a new perspective on life. The Punjab government declared that it will continue to expand these livelihood-linked rehabilitation efforts to ensure that every individual seeking help finds a stable and purposeful way forward.
