The Circular Menace of Drug Abuse in Punjab.

I write this article with a view to highlight the first steps

that a socially responsible organization might take up as
a pro bono initiative for a healthy society. I have included
suggestions that may be given to the Government of
Punjab for streamlining an effective strategy to uproot
this pressing socio,cultural and economic issue from its
very roots.
Drug abuse is a deadly parasite destroying one of the
wealthiest states of India- Punjab. The gravity of the issue
can be ascertained by the fact that 4 out of 10 men are
addicted to illicit drugs in Punjab as reported by a survey
conducted by a Central Narcotics Control Bureau covering Amritsar and Patiala.
What makes the problem so rampant is the steady supply of drugs across Punjabs
borders. Further, the traditional use of opium by farmers in Punjab, narcotics
availability from Himachal and a closely knit nexus between the peddler-policepolitician significantly contributes to the problem. Thus we see that occasional
police raids and seizures is not the umbrella solution to this issue. Heres what we
can do:
1) Launching a large scale de-addiction drive: One fatal problem that exists in
our country is that every menace that needs thorough awareness to save oneself is
tabooed and hush-hushed here. Parents believe that the best way to save their
children from these vices is to keep them ignorant about them. No wonder the
percentage of HIV patients and drug addicts is steadily increasing. We propose
launching a large scale de-addiction drive which will include workshops, campaigns
and street plays to educate people against illicit drug use. The Punjab Government
also attempted to do the same however understanding that people view any
campaign by a political party as having some political agenda, it wasnt a success.
However, when an independent body free from any political agenda interacts with
people on a one-on-one basis and makes them aware of every facet of drug use and
how it will completely destroy their lives, the effect is noticeably positive.
This drive must be launched at the grass root level of schools. This is especially
important in schools in villages of Punjab where there is not enough deterrence from
family members against drug use. It is sad but true that school children are falling
prey to drug abuse and are seen as a very important target group by the members
of the drug cartel. I wish to suggest the medium of regular interactive sessions and
workshops in schools to educate young minds about the number of ways drugs
destroy ones life.

2) Helping victims to get enrolled in the de-addiction facilities: Most

workshops and campaigns against drug use are preachy in nature and focus on the
theory of why drug use is bad. Attention however should be placed on how to
extend the campaign to not only educate people against drug use and highlight the
fatalities clubbed with it, but also help victims to get admitted to de-addiction
facilities. And efforts shouldnt stop here. It must be ensured that the rehabilitation
of the victim into the society takes place. In addition to this, adequate help must be
rendered to the family of the victim financially while he is at the de-addiction center.
3) Reaching out to rehabilitate drug addicts: A primary reason as to why
people indulge in drugs is because of poverty. Poverty being the mother of many
crimes also nurtures drug related crimes. Patients of drug addiction released from
the de-addiction centers must be engaged in vocational activities. The support of
the government is of essence for this purpose.
4) Sensitization: Another step that goes a long way in expediting the process of
rooting out of drug abuse is sensitization of the matter and treating it with utmost
priority and significance. There needs to be an organized effort on part of the
government by means of intervention and supporting the pressure groups that seek
to eradicate drug abuse. More funds need to be granted to NGOs involved in
tackling the issue. The government must also seek to enhance the cooperation
between the several agencies involved in tackling this rampant problem- Medical
institutions and government hospitals, administrative agencies and law
enforcement agencies such as the police. The fourth estate, that is the media can
be a very powerful instrument of change and thus its potential to harness change
must be tapped by the State Government.
5) Strict penal punishment to guilty officials: The government would be in a
state of denial if it turns a blind eye to the fact that many government officials in
the law enforcing and administrative agencies are guilty of the spread of this issue.
It is only wise that steps be taken to identify such defaulters and impose harsh
penalties on them. The truth of the phrase that one bad fish spoils the whole pond
can be understood best in this situation. Similarly, all initiatives taken by the
government will go in vain as long as corrupt officials exist.
These steps clubbed with measures to check smuggling and stricter vigilance in the
border areas of Punjab will go a long way in eradicating the menace of drug abuse
from Punjab. Lets join hands for a drug-free tomorrow.