States » NorthPosted at: Sep 20 2026 7:58PM


Govt, Police alone can't beat drugs: Punjab Governor Kataria; Youth must turn to sports

Panchkula, Sep 20 (UNI) Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday said the government and police alone cannot defeat drug abuse, calling for greater public participation to combat the menace and urging young people to turn to sports as an alternative to addiction.
Speaking in Panchkula at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Ashwini Gupta Memorial Trust, Kataria said Punjab would intensify its wider anti-drug campaign after September 2026, but stressed that enforcement efforts must be supported by community vigilance.
“Government and police alone cannot fight drugs. Public participation is essential,” he said.
The Governor urged families to keep a close watch on their children’s company, warning that peer pressure can often push young people toward substance abuse. He said sports grounds can provide a constructive outlet for youthful energy while helping keep youngsters away from addiction.
Kataria praised Haryana’s sports policy, particularly its cash incentives and government jobs for medal-winning athletes. He also lauded the Ashwini Gupta Memorial Trust for its two-decade-long efforts to identify and nurture sporting talent in rural and urban areas through badminton, kabaddi and other activities.
The Trust has also organised blood donation camps and undertaken various social welfare initiatives, he said.
During the event, Kataria released a commemorative publication marking the Trust’s 20th anniversary and honoured former Army chief General V.P. Malik, civil services achiever Akash Dhull, blood donation organiser Rakesh Sanghar, industrialist S.P. Singla and social worker Ramakant Bhardwaj.
Certificates were also presented to 27 students who completed a six-month computer training course at the Trust’s skill centre.
Former Haryana Assembly Speaker and Trust chairman Gian Chand Gupta highlighted the state’s contribution to India’s sporting success, noting that Haryana athletes have played a significant role in the country’s Olympic and Paralympic medal tallies.
Gupta also highlighted Haryana’s cash award policy for Olympic medal winners, under which gold medallists receive Rs 6 crore, silver medallists Rs 4 crore and bronze medallists Rs 2.5 crore, along with government jobs for eligible medal winners.
Kataria also urged public representatives and government officials to look beyond their official responsibilities and directly support people in need.
Among those present at the event were RSS functionary Prem Ji Goyal, Panchkula Mayor Shyam Lal Bansal, Trust president Ruchi Gupta and general secretary Parth Gupta.UNI KK AAB
Tags: #Govt# Police alone can't beat drugs: Punjab Governor Kataria; Youth must turn to sports
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