Chief Minister Nayab Saini Urges Unity Against Drug Abuse in Haryana

In a powerful call to action, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the critical importance of making the state drug-free to realize the vision of a developed India and a developed Haryana. Speaking at the concluding segment of the Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 in Sirsa on April 27, the Chief Minister urged all sections of society to rise above partisan politics and unite in strengthening and empowering the youth of Haryana. 

"For the dream of a developed India and a developed Haryana to become reality, making our state drug-free is absolutely essential," said Chief Minister Saini. He specifically appealed to the sant samaj (religious leaders), khap panchayats (traditional community organizations), sarpanches (village heads), and all residents to actively participate in this grand campaign and contribute significantly toward creating a drug-free Haryana. 

The Chief Minister highlighted that cooperation from every section of society could play a decisive role in the fight against drugs. "Together, we all can become participants in building a strong and healthy Haryana," he added.

The event saw Chief Minister Saini personally riding a bicycle to the venue before flagging off the cyclothon, setting a powerful example for the anti-drug message. The cyclothon journey, which began in Sirsa near Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, will travel through various parts of Sirsa district before concluding in Odha village later the same day.

A Magnificent Confluence of Energy, Celebration, and Unity

Paying homage to Sri Sarsai Nath Ji, Sri Guru Chilla Sahib Ji, and Tara Baba Ji, the Chief Minister described the cyclothon as "a magnificent confluence of energy, celebration, and unity that symbolizes our collective fight against drugs." He expressed particular pride in the support extended by khap panchayats to this initiative.

The Chief Minister noted that this bicycle rally, which began on April 5 from Hisar, had traveled across the entire state before reaching its final destination after a 23-day journey. He congratulated all the youth participants who had worked day and night to spread the message of de-addiction across the state. 

"This wasn't merely a rally but the beginning of a new thought process encompassing important issues like health, environment, road safety, and youth empowerment," he explained. "The organizers, participants, and citizens have proved that when the goal is noble, the thinking is honest, and efforts include public participation, any social evil can be eradicated from its roots." 

No Place for Drugs in the Land of Soldiers, Wrestlers, and Farmers 

Chief Minister Saini proudly stated that Haryana is the land of soldiers, wrestlers, and farmers, where there is no place for drugs. "We must all come together to advance our 'Dhakad Haryana' (powerful Haryana)," he urged. 

He emphasized that while this might be the final leg of the cyclothon, it should be considered just the beginning of the fight against drugs. "Take a pledge that we will make every house and every village of Haryana drug-free. This campaign will definitely yield meaningful results," he assured.

The Chief Minister detailed various government initiatives to combat drug abuse, including the establishment of de-addiction centers to help youth break free from addiction. "We have opened separate de-addiction facilities in government hospitals and medical colleges. The government has also established an interstate drug secretariat in Panchkula to curb drug trafficking," he informed. 

Incentives for Drug-Free Villages

Chief Minister Saini mentioned that the government has requested sarpanches to make their villages drug-free, pollution-free, and ensure high performance on cleanliness and health standards. As an incentive, villages ranking first in these parameters across the state will receive a reward of 51 lakh rupees, while those securing second and third positions will receive 31 lakh and 21 lakh rupees respectively. 

Appealing to citizens, the Chief Minister urged them not to distance themselves from individuals trapped in the web of addiction but instead help them reintegrate into the mainstream.

He also highlighted the government's MANAS portal, where citizens can report information about drug traffickers with the assurance of anonymity. Additionally, Station House Officers (SHOs) have been instructed to take immediate action on drug-related complaints in villages under their jurisdiction. SHOs whose entire jurisdiction becomes drug-free will also be honored.

"This bicycle rally has proven that today's youth are not only focused on education and employment but are also aware of their social responsibilities and health," concluded the Chief Minister. He called upon everyone present to take a pledge to make Haryana drug-free.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Krishna Kumar Bedi, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badoli, and other dignitaries.