Play proactive role in curbing menace of drugs: CM exhorts people

SAS Nagar (Mohali): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday gave a clarion call to people to become active partner in the campaign against drugs so that this scourge can be completely wiped out from state.

Addressing the gathering after launching City Surveillance and Management System, the Chief Minister said that the state government has launched major crackdown against drugs. He said that this meticulously planned campaign has been launched to snap the supply line of drugs, put the drug peddler behind the bars and ensure the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Bhagwant Singh Mann profusely thanked the people for giving overwhelming response to the anti-drug campaign but he said that this war cannot be won without the active support of people.

The Chief Minister urged the people to share information about the drug smugglers who are involved in heinous crime of smuggling of drugs adding that exemplary action will be ensured against them. He said that the properties of the drug smugglers acquired through drug money is being razed/ confiscated as a part of the mega drive launched by the state government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the drive against drugs will continue till a single ounce of this scourge is present in the state.

Listing the pro-people initiatives taken by the state government, the Chief Minister said that more than 51000 youth have got government jobs, 90% households are getting zero bill, more that 2.5 crore people have got free treatment in Aam Aadmi Clinics besides others. He said that apart from fulfilling all the guarantees promised to people the state government has also done several works which were never promised to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they are here to serve the people and are not from political background due to which they are fulfilling every word made to people.

The Chief Minister said that the state Government has launched first of its kind initiative in the country, a dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force to ensure enhanced security and to save precious lives on the state and National Highways. He said that specially trained, freshly recruited 1597 personnel including girls are acting as the backbone to this force, who have been provided with the latest, fully equipped 144 vehicles and since its launch in February last year the state has witnessed a 48.10% reduction in casualties due to accidents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that several other states and even the Government of India has hailed this out of the box initiative of the state government.

The Chief Minister said that health, education, power, water and infrastructure along with law and order are the top priorities of his government. He said that no stone is being left unturned to ensure the holistic development of the state and progress of its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every effort is being made to make Punjab a front runner state in the country.

The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that this scheme has been launched in the city. He said that this scheme will be soon replicated in all other cities of the state so that people are immensely benefitted from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all out efforts are being made to ensure safety, security and protection of the people.

The Chief Minister urged the people to become responsible citizens by following road safety rules as it was in larger public interest. He asked them to take a pledge for following the traffic rules so that their life can be saved. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every effort is being made to facilitate the people and no stone will be left unturned for this Nobel cause.