Punjab rolls out ‘Soorma’ drive to involve recovered addicts in anti-drug campaign

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday unveiled the ‘Soorma’ initiative, a new programme aimed at involving people who have successfully overcome drug addiction in the state’s campaign against narcotics by encouraging them to guide others towards rehabilitation.

The programme was launched in Ludhiana, where the Chief Minister felicitated individuals who have remained free from substance abuse for more than two years. They were presented with commemorative rings and campaign T-shirts as a mark of recognition for their recovery and commitment to spreading awareness against drugs.

Advertisement

Speaking at the event, Mann said the government intends to create a network of recovered individuals who can share their personal experiences with those struggling with addiction and motivate them to seek treatment. He said addiction should be viewed as a medical and social issue rather than a criminal one, stressing that those affected require care, counselling and rehabilitation.

He said the state government has expanded de-addiction facilities and is strengthening rehabilitation centres by providing counselling, healthcare services and skill development programmes so that recovered persons can rebuild their lives and become financially independent.

Announcing additional support, the Chief Minister said recovered individuals associated with the initiative would also be considered for employment opportunities, enabling them to reintegrate into society with dignity while contributing to the state’s anti-drug campaign.

Emphasising the importance of sports in preventing substance abuse, Mann said the government plans to make around 3,100 village playgrounds and nearly 3,000 gyms operational across Punjab by July 15. He said expanding sports infrastructure would provide young people with healthier alternatives and help steer them away from drugs.

The Chief Minister said the government’s broader strategy combines education, healthcare, sports and rehabilitation to address the problem of drug addiction. Referring to the education sector, he claimed Punjab had registered significant improvement in learning outcomes, while also highlighting the expansion of healthcare coverage under the state’s health insurance programme.

He also cited several other government initiatives, including increased canal irrigation, daytime power supply to farmers, free electricity for a large number of households and the work of the Sadak Surakhya Force in reducing road accident fatalities.

Mann alleged that years of drug trafficking and policy failures under previous governments had adversely affected Punjab’s youth and contributed to migration. He asserted that the present government was working to reverse that trend through sustained action against drug networks and by expanding rehabilitation and welfare measures.

Describing the recovered youths as symbols of resilience, the Chief Minister said they would now act as community volunteers and inspire others to leave addiction behind. He added that the programme would gradually be extended across all districts to build a grassroots support network for people undergoing treatment.

The government also released a motivational anthem as part of the campaign. Mann said individuals who have completed de-addiction treatment and remained drug-free for at least two years can enroll in the programme by sending the message “Soorma” through WhatsApp to the designated government number.

Reaffirming the government’s stand, the Chief Minister said strict action would continue against drug smugglers while every effort would be made to help those willing to recover from addiction. He said the objective of the initiative is to restore confidence among affected families and encourage social acceptance of people who have successfully overcome substance abuse.

Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh and other senior officials attended the launch ceremony.