The North News
Chandigarh, March 21
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and organised crime, emphasising the economic crackdown on drug networks. Speaking at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, he outlined the progress of the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign, launched on February 25, with a high-powered Cabinet sub-committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema overseeing its execution.
Punjab Governor said that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has been strengthened, leading to demolitions of traffickers’ properties and thousands of public awareness campaigns across Punjab. The Special Intelligence and Technical Unit has been instrumental in tracking drug-related communications and finances, he added.
Sharing details , he further said that the Anti-Gangster Task Force has made 1,588 arrests, neutralized 13 gangsters, and seized 1,477 weapons. The Punjab Police dismantled nine terror modules, arresting 59 individuals and recovering arms and explosives. Cybercrime efforts have also expanded with 28 cyber police stations and 24/7 social media monitoring.
unjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has outlined a series of government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, and agriculture in the state. Addressing key welfare measures, he said medicines worth ₹600 crore and diagnostic tests worth ₹100 crore have been provided at government clinics, reducing healthcare costs by ₹1,296 crore. The state plans to spend ₹200 crore on medicine procurement in 2025-26.
Kataria said the government is committed to expanding X-ray and ultrasound facilities in district hospitals, with 554 private centres empanelled to offer services at subsidized rates. Over the next 12 months, patients will receive benefits worth ₹53 crore.
On infrastructure, he said ₹150 crore was spent on upgrading hospitals, including fire safety systems. The ‘Farishtey Scheme,’ launched in January 2024, has helped 404 accident victims, with ₹42.55 lakh in medical aid disbursed.
In education, the government has introduced the ‘CM di Yogashala’ initiative, with 3,200 daily yoga classes benefiting 100,000 people. Under ‘Punjab Sikhya Kranti,’ 2042 campus managers and 1378 security guards have been appointed, while 230 buses have been deployed for school transport.
The ‘Business Blaster Scheme’ has supported 51,565 students with ₹10.32 crore in funding to develop entrepreneurial projects. The state has also invested ₹568.43 crore in upgrading school infrastructure.
Focusing on agriculture, Kataria said Punjab has restored 77 long-abandoned canals and increased water availability by 12% during the last Kharif season. The state procured 121.31 lakh tonnes of wheat and 173.58 lakh tonnes of paddy, contributing 45% of wheat to the central pool. The government has equipped ration shops with e-PoS kits to ensure transparent food distribution.
The state has banned 10 pesticides to meet export standards for basmati rice and launched a pilot project in Amritsar to produce pesticide-free basmati. The government is also promoting crop diversification, offering subsidies for maize seed and fertilizers.
On power reforms, Kataria said Punjab met its highest-ever electricity demand of 16,058 MW in June 2024 while ensuring uninterrupted supply to farmers. Since July 2022, the state has provided 300 units of free electricity to 90% of households.
Highlighting employment efforts, he said over 51,000 candidates have secured government jobs since 2022. The state is witnessing a ‘reverse brain drain’ as youth increasingly prefer government jobs over moving abroad.
Kataria reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to infrastructure, industry, law and order, and anti-corruption measures, expressing hope for a “Prosperous Punjab” through collaborative governance.
