Drug menace is Punjab's biggest challengesays Punjab Governor Kataria
Over nine months into his office, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has been striving towards evolving a community-driven approach to combat the drug menace, which has plagued the State for decades.
Mr. Kataria, who has been holding 'foot-marches', aimed at raising awareness, garner public support and transform the fight against drugs into a people's movement, in an exclusive interview with The Hindu feels that Punjab, which was once a leading State, particularly in industry, trade and agriculture, is now lagging, and the menace of drugs prevalent in the State is a matter of immediate concern.
Even as Punjab's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government asserts that the State is on the verge of becoming 'drug-free', Mr. Kataria believes it's a long way to go before achieving success in complete drug eradication from Punjab. He says it's amazing that on the one hand, the conviction rate under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is a tad above 85% in Punjab, yet on the other hand, the drug menace had continued to grow its feet. Not mincing his words, he says, 'It's quite clear that unless there's a political patronage and involvement of police, the drugs trade can't be sustained for a long period, and in Punjab it's been flourishing for a long time.'
1. You have completed nine months in Punjab. What, according to you, are key problems/challenges plaguing Punjab?
Punjab, which was once a leading State, particularly in industry, trade, and agriculture, is now lagging behind, and the menace of drugs prevalent in the State is a matter of immediate concern, especially as the youth is getting hooked on it.
The prevalence of 'Chitta', a synthetic drug made from heroin and other forms of drug abuse, is widespread and curbing it is the biggest challenge. I realised the gravity of the situation (drug menace) during my visits to villages in those districts of Punjab that share an international border with Pakistan. In my interaction with members of village committees, some women shared distressing experiences surrounding the drug addiction of their children and its impact on the entire family, and they urged me to find a way to save their children.
They said all their other issues and problems could wait but drug addiction is causing a havoc in their lives. It's amazing to notice that on the one hand, the conviction rate under the NDPS Act is around 85% in Punjab, yet on the other hand, the drug menace had continued to grow its feet.
While the State government and its agencies have been working to eradicate the menace, I feel that to eradicate this problem, it requires people's extensive support. The war against drugs needs to be transformed into a people's movement to achieve success. I have been embarking on foot marches, interacting with religious heads, scholars, etc, to inject momentum into the fight, and people are supporting it because it's their pain. It's not my campaign, it's people's campaign, and the focus is to educate and empower communities, especially youth, to lead a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
2. What according to you, are the reasons behind Punjab's drug menace, and why is it difficult to curb it?
I see two immediate reasons: first, it's the smuggling of drugs through drones and other means into the Indian territory from Pakistan. Pakistan does not have the courage or capability to fight a direct battle with India, and this we saw in the recent conflict during 'Operation Sindoor'.
Pakistan has been fighting a proxy war by the way of sending drugs by various means to create disturbance in the country and target our youth. Secondly, some people may get annoyed with me, but it's true and aptly clear that unless there's a political patronage and involvement of police, the drug trade can't be sustained for a long period, and in Punjab, it has been flourishing for a long time.
I, however, appreciate that the State government has been in action mode against the drug menace for the past couple of months. As far as difficulty in curbing it is concerned, among several other reasons, one is that some people, especially from the poor section, believe that drug trade is a road to easy and quick money with relatively less effort, and this is a big push for them to engage into smuggling and peddling of drugs. Also, while these 'peddlers' do get caught, the drug-smugglers or the 'big fishes' hardly get caught, and hence the drug trade network continues to flourish.
3. Ruling Aam Aadmi Party leaders assert that Punjab is on the verge of becoming a 'drug-free' State soon. What's your take?
I don't think that it's going to happen immediately, there's a long way to go, but yes, some steps by the governments are encouraging. In Punjab, as per my understanding, there are around 200 villages so far, where people have initiated campaigns such as 'Our village-Drug free' or 'Our Institution-Drug free'. But, whether they have become '100% drug free' can't be ascertained immediately, but it certainly shows people's awareness and sentiments of fighting against the drug menace. The Centre had launched the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' in 2020, which is a good initiative.
4. Punjab has been witnessing a rise in migration. What is the reason? Do you see it as a matter of concern?
The charm of a foreign land, better income, have been among a few temptations behind rising migration from Punjab, but apart from these, the concern among parents about their children getting addicted to drugs here has emerged as another key factor behind the rise in migration from Punjab. Several parents are sending their children away to foreign countries, fearing their kids could get addicted to drugs in Punjab. There's no doubt it should be a serious concern for everyone.
5. Key political parties in Punjab have opposed the upcoming delimitation exercise of Parliamentary constituencies on population-based criteria. What's your take?
This issue has to be dealt with keeping in mind the entire country and not just one State, and some formula or criteria will have to be devised that is acceptable to all. Historically, our culture has always created a bond of unity across the country. I am sure the country will continue to stand united with a consensus on such and other issues.
6. Punjab shares an international border with Pakistan, and hence, it faces several challenges due to its strategic location. Do you think the Centre should consider giving a special financial package to the State?
I firmly believe that a financial package should be given to Punjab, being a border State, to give a fillip to the industrial sector and to resolve other problems. I am making efforts in this regard. Earlier, there was the Border Area Development Fund for the growth and development of the State's six border districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated several times that border villages are very important. We are making efforts, and I believe this fund will be back.
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