Chandigarh, Aug 6: Reiterating his government's commitment to eradicate drug menace, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called for a joint action by all states to curb this scourge. Responding to a letter by his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh regarding curbing drug menace from society, Khattar said the Haryana government was fully committed to effectively check the smuggling and sale of narcotics. The Punjab chief minister had called for a joint action to curb drug menace. Terming drug addiction as a serious problem for the future of the nation's youth, the chief minister said Haryana did not "grow" drugs.

The Haryana Police have taken stringent measures to apprehend not only persons involved in the sale of smuggled drugs, but also to trace their roots and transportation routes. Apart from this, a Special Task Force (STF) was set up in January this year to curb drug menace and apprehend drug smugglers.

The STF is working in close coordination with neighbouring states, including Punjab, he added. The police department regularly launches special campaigns to apprehend drug peddlers.

Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration has also been involved in nabbing the suppliers of medical intoxicants to make Haryana a drug-free state. Stressing the need for improvement in actionable intelligence shared by the Punjab Police, the chief minister suggested regular border district meetings between senior police officers of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan for intelligence-sharing and strategy development.

"I assure you of strict and prompt action whenever any precise and authentic information is shared by the Punjab Police", he said. "Since you claim to have banished all drug smugglers and peddlers from Punjab, you may like to consider introducing some programmes for involvement of youth in constructive activities," said Khattar, adding that the leading role of Haryana's youth in winning laurels and medals for the nation in various sports, athletics and other prestigious international events is well known.

While sharing some of the state-wide activities involving youth, he said since November 1, 2016, the state government has launched 'Saksham', employment guarantee scheme for educated unemployed. Under the scheme, over 60,000 post-graduates and graduates are getting 100 hours of work per month and a payment of Rs 9,000 and Rs 7,500 per month respectively. In addition, one 'Yog Shala' each has been set up in 1,000 villages.

Under a new programme called 'Raahgiri', marathon runs, street plays and other cultural activities are being organised on a regular basis in various districts to create a positive and healthy narrative. An initiative called 'Prabal Prahaar' has been launched in Sirsa district where a group of village youth volunteers have taken up the fight against drugs.