Chief Minister Mann's masterstroke: 35 Punjab warriors to be deployed in the war against drugs

Chandigarh. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a game-changing strategy for Punjab, which is battling the drug epidemic. The government will no longer confine the war on drugs to police stations and courts, but will deploy trained warriors to every village and locality for drug de-addiction. Through the country’s first ‘Leadership in Mental Health Fellowship’, Punjab will prepare 35 young professionals who will work to save people suffering from drug addiction and create awareness in the society. Developed in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, this scheme will prove to be the most powerful weapon in the war against drug abuse. It is not just a training programme, but a revolutionary step towards making Punjab drug-free.

The Punjab government's strategy is clear

The war against drugs cannot be won by stopping the supply alone, but by eliminating the demand as well. Therefore, there is a need for people in every village and city who can identify the youth suffering from drug addiction, counsel them and guide them towards rehabilitation. This two-year fellowship launched under the War Against Drugs campaign is a concrete step in this direction. The 35 fellows selected for this programme, run by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, will receive practical training in every aspect of drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. They will not only learn bookish knowledge but also practical experience.

Efforts to eradicate the drug problem from its roots

The unique aspect of this fellowship is its attempt to tackle the problem of drug abuse from its root. The selected fellows will visit schools to educate children about the dangers of drugs, create awareness among youth in colleges and educate women in Anganwadi centres on identifying and preventing drug addiction within families. This combination of TISS Mumbai’s expertise and the Punjab Government’s grassroots approach is a new experiment in the field of drug de-addiction. Working with specialized units like DITSU (District Task Force on Substance Use), these fellows will map the drug problem in each district and find solutions accordingly. This is a strategy that confronts the problem head-on, rather than hiding it.

Punjab government has set clear eligibility criteria

The Punjab government has set very clear eligibility criteria for this fellowship. A master’s degree in psychology or social work, along with two years of experience in the field of addiction or mental health, is essential. The age limit of up to 32 years ensures that energetic and dedicated youth can be a part of this mission. But the most important requirement is a deep commitment to social service. The government wants people who can make the fight against drug addiction their personal mission. This is not just a job, but an opportunity to shape the future of Punjab. The youth who accept this challenge will become witnesses of history.

Bhagwant Mann government's view on drugs is clear

Merely enacting strict laws will not stop drug addiction, but will create awareness and empower the society. In the last few years, hundreds of drug peddlers have been jailed in Punjab, dozens of rehabilitation centres have been opened, and thousands of youth have received free treatment. But the government knows that this is not enough. What is needed now is an army that will go from village to village, door to door, spreading awareness about drug abuse. That is what the 35 fellows trained through this fellowship will do. They will reach every corner of Punjab and prepare communities to fight the drug epidemic. This is a decisive step towards realizing the dream of a colorful Punjab.

This initiative of the government was appreciated

Experts and social workers working in the field of drug de-addiction have lauded the initiative. They say that Punjab has shown the courage to acknowledge and fight the drug problem, while other states are busy hiding it. Grassroots activists believe that if trained professionals go to villages to identify drug addicts and provide them with treatment, the drug epidemic can be controlled. The programme also aims to remove the shame and stigma surrounding drug abuse in the society. This government initiative will not only bring about a change in statistics but also in real life.

The entire election process will be transparent

Interested youth by December 7, 2025can apply on. The selection process will be completely transparent - the selection of fellowships will be done on the basis of written examination, interview and practical experience in the field of drug addiction. Those selected will get world-class training from a prestigious institution like TISS Mumbai, as well as an opportunity to become leaders in the drug de-addiction movement of Punjab. This opportunity is more than just a job, it provides a purpose. The government is inviting the youth: if you have passion, if you want to change Punjab, then come forward and be a part of this fight.

This fellowship will set an example

This initiative of the Punjab government shows that drug de-addiction is not just a matter of sloganeering, but a matter of concrete action. While other states are denying the problem of drugs, Punjab has introduced a new model by partnering with a national organization like TISS. This fellowship will set an example not only for Punjab but for the entire country. The message of the Bhagwant Mann government is clear: drugs are not the fate of Punjab, but a challenge that can be defeated. And this fight should be fought not only by the government, but by every Punjabi together.

.....And when Punjab will be drug free

In the years to come, when Punjab becomes drug-free, the name of the Fellowship will be written in golden letters. The 35 youth trained today will save thousands of families from destruction tomorrow and lay the foundation of a healthy, prosperous Punjab. This masterstroke of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann - arming not just the police but the society to fight drug addiction - is the path that can truly transform Punjab. This is not just a government scheme, but the announcement of a new dawn for Punjab. The war on drugs is no longer just a slogan, but has become a reality at the ground level.