Bathinda:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday called upon Aam Aadmi Party leaders, workers and cadres to intensify their efforts to transform the second phase of Yudh Nashean Virudh into a people’s movement, asserting that Punjab was leading the nation’s decisive war against drugs with the active support of its citizens.

Addressing a Lok Milni in Bathinda, Mann said the state government had launched Phase II of the campaign with the clear objective of completely eradicating drugs from Punjab. “Big leaders of previous regimes were part and parcel of this sin, but in the last one year the AAP government has registered cases against 28,000 drug peddlers with a conviction rate of 88 per cent,” he said, adding that this action had restored people’s faith in the campaign.

The Chief Minister said the growing enthusiasm among the public reflected that Punjab was close to winning the war against drugs. “Only a mass movement, not police or government action alone, can ensure success. Earlier governments patronised the drug trade; we have cracked down on it,” he said, describing Yudh Nashean Virudh as a fight to protect future generations.

Calling for concerted and selfless efforts, Mann said the campaign was a comprehensive and multi-dimensional strategy aimed at saving Punjab’s youth, farmers, water resources and environment. “Supply lines have been broken, big players have been sent to jail, drug victims are being treated and rehabilitated, and bulldozers have been used on properties of drug traffickers,” he said.

He added that the campaign would continue with greater intensity and urged party cadres to mobilise public support so that the results of Phase II surpass those of the first phase.

Highlighting governance initiatives, Mann said the AAP government had taken several pro-people decisions, including ensuring canal water supply to villages at the tail end of the state. “Several closed canals and distributaries have been reopened, and in some areas water has flowed again after 37 years,” he said.

He said farmers were now receiving daytime electricity and that 90 per cent of households were getting free power, easing financial pressure. “More than 61,000 youth have been given government jobs in a transparent manner, without recommendation or corruption,” he said, adding that the closure of 17 toll plazas was saving people around ₹64 lakh daily.

On healthcare, Mann said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics had been opened across Punjab, providing free treatment and medicines. He said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna would soon be rolled out to enable cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh. He added that the state’s healthcare and education reforms had attracted national appreciation.

In the education sector, Mann said 118 Schools of Eminence were being established to secure a brighter future for underprivileged children. He said students were being provided free uniforms, and the free bus service for girls ensured uninterrupted access to education. Special coaching was being offered for entry into the armed forces and competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT.

Sharing academic outcomes, the Chief Minister said 265 students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools had qualified for JEE Mains, 44 for JEE Advanced, and 848 for NEET. He added that teachers and principals from Punjab were being sent to globally reputed institutes to upgrade their teaching skills.

Mann also said the Sadak Surakhya Force constituted by the state government had received wide appreciation across the country and had even been praised in Parliament, describing it as a major step towards improving road safety in Punjab.