Punjab's New Budget: A Bold Blueprint for Development and Drug Eradication

Punjab's government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, is set to present a transformative budget for 2025-26, focusing on education, healthcare, and tough measures against drug addiction. Key initiatives include a potential Drug Census and increased resources for drug prevention and emergency response.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema convened with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday, laying the groundwork for the state's 2025-26 budget presentation. Cheema's preamble to unveiling the budget included signing off the critical document that promises significant state reforms.

The coming fiscal plan marks the fourth budget under the Aam Aadmi Party's governance post-2022 elections. Reports indicate a focused trajectory on augmenting educational frameworks, healthcare enhancements, and drug addiction eradication strategies.

In an unprecedented move, the budget is anticipated to feature a Drug Census discussed by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. Measures could include deploying Home Guards to fortify border zones against narcotic infiltration. Moreover, an allotted budget segment is earmarked exclusively for drug prevention initiatives.

Integral to public safety, the state may bolster its Emergency Response Vehicle fleet and optimize operations of Emergency Number 112. Prospective allocations could address the infrastructure deficits highlighted by Congress MLA Sandeep Jakhar concerning the Abohar and Balluana regions.

Simultaneously, the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign intensifies its precision attacks on major drug players under directives from Chief Minister Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav. Since its inception on March 1, 2025, law enforcement has arrested 3,957 drug traffickers, recovering 137.7 kg of heroin, escalating the dismantlement of drug networks.

The state's police leadership received stringent orders to map out and dismantle narcotic supply chains meticulously. This directive underscores the authorities' commitment to dismantling drug syndicates strategically, safeguarding the community's welfare. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)