Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Rs 600 crore Has requested financial assistance of Rs. This amount has been sought for setting up special NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) courts for speedy disposal of drug-related cases and strengthening anti-narcotics measures.
Socio-economic balance is deteriorating due to drug problem.
The Chief Minister said that the drug problem in Punjab is not only affecting the socio-economic balance but also giving rise to crime, domestic violence and health problems.
- pending cases: As of January 1, 2025, 35,000 drug-related cases are pending in the state.
- need for special courts: The number of pending cases is likely to reach 55,000 in the next five years.
- delay in justice process: At the current rate, a sessions court takes an average of 7 years, which may increase to 11 years in the next 5 years.
The Chief Minister has sought assistance of Rs 60 crore per year for 10 years from the Center for setting up 79 new special NDPS courts and appointment of 79 public prosecutors for these courts.
Anti-narcotics task force and other measures
Chief Minister Mann recommended taking several steps to stop drug trafficking and strengthen national security.
- Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): Urge to ensure grant from National Drug Control Fund.
- border districts: Procurement of surveillance systems and technical equipment in six border districts.
- prison security: Provision of infrastructure and equipment to implement 5G jamming solutions in prisons.
Achievements of State Government
In the last two and a half years, the Punjab government has taken strict action against drugs.
- cases registered: 31,500 cases registered under NDPS Act.
- seized drugs: 3,000 kg heroin, 2,600 kg opium.
- arrests: 43,000 accused arrested, pharmaceutical drugs and cash seized.
The Chief Minister stressed that financial assistance and technical support from the Center is necessary to make these efforts more effective.
