Punjab Budget 2025 : First Ever 'Drug Census' to Identify Addicts, Provide Rehabilitation

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday presented the fourth budget of the Aam Aadmi Party government. He has presented a budget of Rs 2.36 lakh crore under the theme 'Mera Punjab, Badalta Punjab'. For the first time in this budget, an attempt has been made to connect the youth with sports to divert them from drugs. The Punjab government will conduct a 'drug census' for the first time to understand the prevalence of drugs in the state and the use of de-addiction centers.

Harpal Singh Cheema said that from March 1, 2025, 'Yuddh Nashe De Viruddh' campaign was launched, which aims to eradicate drug addiction from its roots and in a few days, 2,136 FIRs were registered and 3,816 drug smugglers were arrested. A budget of 110 crores has been allocated to stop cross-border drug smuggling, in which 5,000 home guards will be deployed with the BSF and advanced anti-drone systems will be installed. Along with this, he said that for the first time 'Drug Census' will be conducted in Punjab, for which a budget of 150 crores has been allocated. This means that the number of drug addicts in Punjab will be counted. Under the Sehat Bima Cover Scheme, 65 thousand families will get free treatment up to 10 lakhs