FARIDKOT, Aug. 17— Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Independence Day that police officers who successfully intercept narcotics consignments will soon be entitled to cash rewards, describing the state’s anti-drug campaign as entering a decisive phase.
Addressing a public gathering in Faridkot, Mann said that from March 1, 2026, police personnel will be given ₹1.2 lakh for every kilogram of heroin recovered during operations. “It has been decided that from March 1, 2026, the police personnel recovering 1-kg heroin will get a cash reward of ₹1.2 lakh,” Mann declared. “Those performing well in the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign will be recognized and rewarded.”
The chief minister reiterated that Pakistan continues to be the main source of narcotics entering Punjab and maintained that the state government has intensified its crackdown on smugglers. “We have demolished houses raised with drug money, sent smugglers to jail, and curbed the open sale of narcotics,” he noted, underlining that the supply chain was “on its last legs.”
Mann also drew attention to new measures being introduced to counter cross-border trafficking, saying Punjab had become the first state in India to deploy its own anti-drone defense system. “Any flying object crossing the border will now be destroyed,” he said. Alongside policing efforts, the state has rolled out an anti-drug syllabus in schools, aimed at sensitizing students about addiction.
Before delivering his address, Mann offered prayers at Tilla Baba Sheikh Farid. His speech, however, was not limited to law enforcement. He used the occasion to showcase progress in education and sports, citing Punjab’s recent performance in national surveys. “For the first time since 2017, Punjab has topped the National Achievement Survey 2025 in all subjects,” he said.
Mann pointed out that government school students are increasingly competing at the highest levels of academics and professional courses. “The government school students are clearing JEE and NEET, and Punjab-origin players captain the national football, basketball, women’s cricket and men’s hockey teams,” he remarked.
The chief minister especially praised the achievements of girls in academics. He noted that both Navjot Kaur, Class 8 topper, and Akshnoor Kaur, Class 10 topper of 2025, hailed from Faridkot. “These success stories reflect the potential of Punjab’s youth when provided with the right opportunities,” Mann observed.
With his announcements, Mann tied together law enforcement, education, and youth development, presenting them as pillars of the state’s future. “The fight against drugs, academic excellence, and achievements in sports are all part of Punjab’s progress,” he said.
