NEW DELHI: Punjab government is expanding its anti-drug campaign beyond enforcement and rehabilitation by involving Anganwadi workers in community-level prevention efforts.Under the initiative, Anganwadi workers are being appointed as Nasha Mukti Mitras to spread awareness about substance abuse, identify early warning signs and help people access de-addiction and rehabilitation services.At a state-level programme in Malout, social security and women and child development minister Baljit Kaur felicitated 20 Anganwadi workers for their contribution to the campaign.The minister said the government was also using sports and recreational activities as part of its prevention strategy. More than 100 sports kits containing hockey, football, volleyball and cricket equipment were distributed among youngsters at the event.“Around 3,000 sports grounds are being developed across Punjab, while 500 pind gyms were inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in January this year. The fourth season of the annual sports festival Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, launched in Bathinda earlier this month, is also encouraging young people to participate in sporting activities,” Kaur said.“The approach adds another layer to the anti-drug campaign. While enforcement focuses on disrupting the supply of drugs, de-addiction and rehabilitation services address those already struggling with addiction. Apart from this, the government is increasingly focusing on prevention by creating an environment in which young people have access to recreation and sporting activities, community support, and adults who can recognise the warning signs early,” she added.Kaur said the campaign was taking a three-pronged approach – disrupting the supply of drugs through enforcement, supporting people struggling with addiction through de-addiction and rehabilitation, and strengthening prevention through community participation.She urged teachers, parents, youth clubs, panchayats and social welfare organisations to participate in the campaign. Kaur also appealed to young people to support friends showing signs of drug use and encourage them to seek help.The Malout programme also featured poster-making and essay-writing competitions for schoolchildren, besides cultural performances including Malwai Giddha and a play focused on drug awareness.The government said community health workers, schools, parents, panchayats, youth clubs, sports facilities and Village and Ward Defence Committees were also being involved in prevention efforts.
