Chandigarh: Punjab govt on Thursday organised a conclave, ‘Sanjha Suneha – Ik Jutt Punjab’, to strengthen its anti-drug campaign by fostering collaboration among govt agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations and social media influencers.Punjab govt’s data intelligence and technical support unit (Ditsu), the technical arm of the state’s anti-drug campaign, organised the conclave to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.The conclave saw the participation of more than 80 delegates from over 40 organisations working in education, mental health, de-addiction, child protection, youth development, women empowerment, community outreach and sports.At the event, Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh underlined the need for community ownership and collective action in the fight against substance abuse. “To empower youth, we have initiated this campaign in schools and colleges, encouraging sports activities and guiding parents and teachers to take the fight against drugs head-on,” he said.“Ik Jutt Punjab is Rangla Punjab. For the campaign against drugs to be successful, it must become a people’s movement. From NGOs, educational institutions and community leaders to the silent victims of the drug menace, it requires the involvement of every section of society,” he added.He said the conclave would provide a platform to translate experiences, ideas and innovations into action against the drug menace.He also highlighted the govt’s efforts to strengthen de-addiction services across the state, expand rehabilitation facilities and spread awareness aimed at preventing youth from falling prey to drug abuse.During the sessions, participants identified areas for collaboration, including strengthening referral systems, enhancing mental health support in educational institutions, improving outreach to vulnerable groups and expanding youth engagement through sports, skill development and community participation.
