Saptrishi Soni
In a significant step towards strengthening Punjab’s campaign against drug abuse, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched a rehabilitation and livelihood support initiative aimed at helping individuals who have successfully overcome addiction reintegrate into mainstream society.
The scheme seeks to move beyond de-addiction by creating long-term opportunities for employment, skill development and financial independence. Government officials said the initiative is designed to ensure that individuals completing treatment do not relapse due to unemployment, social isolation or economic hardship.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann said the state’s fight against narcotics cannot end with police action alone. While law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on drug traffickers and organised crime networks, equal emphasis must be placed on providing recovering addicts with dignity, opportunities and social acceptance.
Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries will be linked to skill development courses, self-employment schemes and government welfare programmes. The administration also plans to involve industries, private employers and community organisations in creating sustainable employment opportunities for rehabilitated youth.
The initiative forms part of the Punjab Government’s broader anti-drug strategy, which combines strict enforcement against drug smugglers with expanded healthcare, counselling and rehabilitation services. Officials believe that successful rehabilitation remains one of the most effective tools for reducing repeat addiction and restoring confidence among affected families.
Experts in public health have welcomed the move, noting that rehabilitation, employment and community support are essential components of any comprehensive strategy to combat substance abuse. They argue that providing recovering addicts with stable livelihoods significantly improves long-term recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.
With Punjab continuing its campaign against narcotics, the new initiative represents an effort to shift the focus from punishment alone towards rehabilitation, social inclusion and long-term recovery.
