Preparations are now underway to further strengthen the 'War on Drugs' campaign being run against drugs in Punjab at the grassroots level. Under this, Anganwadi workers are being added as 'Nasha Mukti Mitra'. According to the government, with the help of these workers, along with increasing awareness about the ill effects of drug addiction among families and local communities, intervention at the early level will also be encouraged.
A glimpse of this initiative was seen in the state level program organized at Malout of Sri Muktsar Sahib. In the program, Social Security and Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur honored 20 Anganwadi workers who contributed in spreading awareness against drug addiction.
Awareness campaign will reach families directly
Anganwadi workers are in regular contact with children and families in rural and urban communities. The government is now planning to use this local network for drug prevention.
As 'Nasha Mukti Mitra' the workers will make people aware about the health and social effects of addiction. Also, if needed, it will help in providing information and connecting people suffering from drug addiction and their families to the available de-addiction and rehabilitation services.
The aim of this initiative is to focus on prevention and early detection rather than just limiting the treatment to post-addiction treatment.
Sports are being made a medium to keep people away from drugs
In Malout's program, emphasis was also laid on connecting youth with sports. During this period, more than 100 sports kits containing equipment for hockey, football, volleyball and cricket were distributed to the youth of the district.
Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that sports can help the youth to engage in healthy activities and keep them away from drugs. He told that about 3,000 sports grounds are being developed in the state. Apart from this, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had inaugurated 500 Pind Gym in January this year.
The government is also encouraging the youth to participate in sports activities through the fourth season of 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan'.
Strategy against drugs at three levels
According to the government, in the 'War on Drugs' campaign, action against drugs is not being limited to law and order only. In this, efforts are being made to work at three levels – enforcement, de-addiction and prevention.
The aim of enforcement is to crack down on the supply of drugs, while the emphasis is on providing support to people already struggling with drug addiction through de-addiction and rehabilitation services. The third level is prevention, in which the role of family, school, sports and local communities is considered important.
Appeal to the youth not to leave their friends
Dr. Baljeet Kaur appealed to teachers, parents, panchayats, youth clubs and social organizations for active participation in the campaign. He especially told the youth that if any of their friends is moving towards addiction, then instead of abandoning them, they should be encouraged to seek help.
According to him, recognizing the early signs in time and providing proper help can be useful in preventing the problem of addiction from increasing.
Message also through cultural programs
In the Malot programme, school children took part in poster and essay competitions. The message of a healthy and drug-free Punjab was given through cultural presentations like Malwai Giddha and a drama based on anti-drug awareness.
Network being prepared at village-ward level
According to the government, a local network is being prepared for drug prevention in Punjab, which will include Anganwadi workers along with schools, parents, panchayats, youth clubs, community health workers and sports facilities.
Village and ward defense committees are also being given a role in this system. The government is emphasizing on taking this campaign to families and local communities with the participation of Anganwadi workers as 'Nasha Mukti Mitra'. In the times to come, the effectiveness of this initiative will also be measured by how many needy people are connected to timely assistance and rehabilitation services.
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