Chandigarh (National Times): The de-addiction initiative launched by the Panchkula Police has now become a benchmark. Initiated in December 2024 under the able leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, the campaign aimed to rehabilitate drug users through medical support and counseling. This mission projected the police not just as law enforcers, but also as agents of social reform.
Village-Based Model under ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Shaan’
With support from the Health Department, this campaign was run as a community-based initiative. Under the adopted ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Shaan’ model, individuals affected by substance abuse were proactively identified in villages and urban wards and encouraged to seek treatment. Mothers, sisters, Anganwadi workers, and local panchayat members were mobilized. Information regarding camps, available medical facilities, and counselling services was disseminated through WhatsApp groups.
Sensitive Approach to Address Challenges
In the initial phase, hesitation and stigma were observed among citizens. Since people often distanced themselves when approached by uniformed personnel, police officers began engaging with drug-affected individuals in plain clothes. Concerns related to taking time off work for treatment were resolved by Haryana Police by providing transportation and other necessary support. Practical solutions were developed in collaboration with doctors to provide medical advice and medicines to those living below the poverty line.
Inspiring Stories Became Symbols of Change
Several transformational stories emerged during the campaign that changed community perspectives. One such story is of a young man, Ajay (name changed), who had long been addicted to cannabis and was in a helpless state. With police intervention, he received hospital treatment, recovered, and has now become a source of inspiration for other youth. In another case, the rehabilitation of a minor girl not only gave her life new direction but also led to the identification and treatment of 22 peddlers.
Outcomes and Achievements
This campaign has so far covered over 25 wards and colonies, organized more than 65 de-addiction camps, and provided medical support to 1,724 individuals. Partnerships were established with 11 private and government hospitals to ensure treatment access. A relapse rate of only 8% was recorded, which is a highly positive indicator compared to the national average. Intelligence gathered from peddlers led to the preparation of more than 45 credible intelligence reports.
Economically Beneficial as Well
The annual cost of the entire campaign was estimated to be around ₹10 lakh, while the total social and economic benefit derived from it has been valued at over ₹6.32 crore. This translates to a cost-benefit ratio of nearly ₹64 benefit to society for every ₹1 spent—a highly impactful metric for any government intervention.
De-addiction Campaign Became a Mass Movement Due to the Vision of Haryana Government and Sensitivity of Panchkula Police: DGP Shatrujeet Kapur
Director General of Police, Haryana, Shri Shatrujeet Kapur congratulated the Panchkula Police for this innovative initiative and said that the campaign is a shining example of the humane side of policing—where sensitivity and resolve go hand in hand. He stated that Panchkula Police has proved that the uniform not only enforces the law but also helps shape lives.
