11 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Punjab Governor's Anti-Drug Drive Sparks Political Debate

Punjab Governor's anti-drug drive with Badal raises questions about Akali-BJP reunion.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's anti-drug drive, joined by Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, has prompted questions from the Congress party about a potential reunion of the BJP and Akali Dal. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring questioned whether the campaign was an attempt to lay the groundwork for an Akali-BJP alliance.

AAP criticized the Governor for associating with those responsible for spreading drugs. Badal defended his participation, while Warring questioned the Union Home Ministry's role in border security.

Key Facts

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria started a four-day march against drug abuse.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal joined the Governor's drive in Ferozepur.

Congress questioned if the campaign was an attempt to forge an Akali-BJP alliance.

AAP criticized the Governor for associating with those responsible for spreading drugs.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Social Justice - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Connects to syllabus areas of social justice, governance, and law enforcement.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the effectiveness of government policies.

Visual Insights

Punjab: Focus of Anti-Drug Drive

Map highlighting Punjab, the state where the anti-drug drive is taking place. Shows its proximity to drug trafficking routes.

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📍Punjab

More Information

Background

The issue of drug abuse in Punjab has deep historical roots, intertwined with socio-economic factors and geographical vulnerabilities. Punjab's proximity to the 'Golden Crescent,' a major opium-producing region, has historically made it a transit route for drug trafficking. This geographical vulnerability has been exploited over decades, leading to a complex web of addiction and organized crime. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, was enacted to combat drug trafficking and abuse, but its implementation has faced challenges. Over time, the nature of drug abuse in Punjab has evolved. Initially, opium and heroin were the primary concerns. However, in recent years, synthetic drugs have become increasingly prevalent, posing new challenges for law enforcement and healthcare systems. The state government has launched various initiatives to combat drug abuse, including awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and stricter enforcement measures. The effectiveness of these measures has been debated, with concerns raised about the lack of coordination between different agencies and the need for a more comprehensive approach. The Indian Constitution empowers states to legislate on issues related to public health and law and order, providing the legal basis for state-level anti-drug initiatives. The legal and constitutional framework for combating drug abuse in India is multi-layered. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, provides the primary legal framework for drug control. This act prohibits the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transportation, warehousing, concealment, use, or dealing in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except for medical or scientific purposes. The Act has been amended several times to strengthen its provisions and address emerging challenges. The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, provides for the preventive detention of persons involved in drug trafficking.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives to combat drug abuse in Punjab include increased coordination between law enforcement agencies, stricter border controls, and enhanced rehabilitation programs. The state government has also launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse. The role of the Border Security Force (BSF) in preventing drug smuggling across the border has come under scrutiny, with calls for greater accountability and transparency. The involvement of political figures in anti-drug campaigns, as seen in the recent event with the Punjab Governor and the Shiromani Akali Dal president, has sparked debate about the politicization of the issue. Ongoing debates surrounding drug abuse in Punjab revolve around the effectiveness of current strategies, the need for a more holistic approach that addresses the underlying socio-economic factors, and the role of different stakeholders in combating the problem. Some argue that stricter enforcement measures are needed to deter drug trafficking, while others emphasize the importance of rehabilitation and prevention. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data provides insights into the extent of drug-related crimes in the state, but there are concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the data. Civil society organizations and community groups are playing an increasingly important role in raising awareness and providing support to those affected by drug abuse. The future outlook for combating drug abuse in Punjab remains uncertain. The state government has set ambitious targets for reducing drug-related crimes and increasing access to rehabilitation services. However, achieving these targets will require sustained efforts, increased resources, and a more coordinated approach. The upcoming elections may also influence the government's priorities and policies related to drug control. The long-term success of anti-drug initiatives will depend on addressing the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Punjab Governor's anti-drug drive that are important for UPSC Prelims?

The key facts include: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria started a four-day march against drug abuse. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal joined the Governor's drive. Congress questioned if the campaign was an attempt to forge an Akali-BJP alliance. AAP criticized the Governor for associating with those responsible for spreading drugs.

Exam Tip

Focus on the key personalities and political angles involved. Understand the basic facts of the event.

2. What is the historical background of drug abuse in Punjab, and why is it important to understand for the UPSC exam?

The issue of drug abuse in Punjab has deep historical roots, intertwined with socio-economic factors and geographical vulnerabilities. Punjab's proximity to the 'Golden Crescent' has historically made it a transit route for drug trafficking. Understanding this background is crucial for Mains answers related to social issues, governance, and security challenges.

Exam Tip

Relate the historical context to current government initiatives and policy responses.

3. How might the Punjab Governor's anti-drug drive impact common citizens?

If successful, the anti-drug drive could reduce drug availability, leading to improved public health and reduced crime rates. It could also lead to increased awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. However, increased law enforcement could also lead to harassment of innocent individuals if not implemented carefully.

Exam Tip

Consider both the positive and negative impacts on different sections of society.

4. Why is the Punjab Governor's anti-drug drive in the news recently?

The anti-drug drive is in the news because the Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria, initiated a march against drug abuse, and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal joined him. This has prompted questions about a potential reunion of the BJP and Akali Dal, leading to political debate.

Exam Tip

Focus on the political implications and the involvement of key political figures.

5. What are the recent government initiatives to combat drug abuse in Punjab, as per the article?

Recent government initiatives include increased coordination between law enforcement agencies, stricter border controls, and enhanced rehabilitation programs. The state government has also launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse. The role of the Border Security Force (BSF) in preventing drug smuggling across the border is also important.

Exam Tip

Note the multi-pronged approach: law enforcement, rehabilitation, and awareness.

6. How does the Punjab Governor's anti-drug drive relate to the concepts of Centre-State Relations and Political Alliances?

The Governor's involvement in the anti-drug drive, and the subsequent political reactions, highlight the complexities of Centre-State relations, especially when the Governor's actions are perceived as politically motivated. The questions raised about a potential Akali-BJP alliance demonstrate the dynamic nature of political alliances and their impact on governance.

Exam Tip

Analyze the situation from the perspective of constitutional roles and political strategies.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: 1. The Act prohibits the cultivation, production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transportation, warehousing, concealment, use or dealing in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. 2. The Act allows for the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes. 3. The Act has never been amended since its enactment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The NDPS Act, 1985 prohibits various activities related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Act allows for the use of these substances for medical and scientific purposes under specific regulations. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Act has been amended several times to strengthen its provisions and address emerging challenges. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

2. In the context of drug trafficking in India, which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the role of the Border Security Force (BSF)? 1. The BSF is responsible for preventing drug smuggling across India's international borders. 2. The BSF has no authority to conduct search and seizure operations related to drug trafficking. 3. The BSF works in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The BSF is mandated to prevent drug smuggling across international borders. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The BSF has the authority to conduct search and seizure operations related to drug trafficking within its jurisdiction. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The BSF coordinates with other agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and state police to combat drug trafficking effectively. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

3. Which of the following statements accurately reflects a constitutional provision related to public health in India? A) The Constitution mandates the central government to solely legislate on public health issues. B) The Constitution places public health exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Union List. C) The Constitution empowers states to legislate on issues related to public health and sanitation. D) The Constitution prohibits the enactment of laws related to public health by state legislatures.

A.Option A
B.Option B
C.Option C
D.Option D

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is correct. The Indian Constitution empowers states to legislate on issues related to public health and sanitation. Public health falls under the State List, allowing state legislatures to enact laws on this subject. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they misrepresent the constitutional division of powers regarding public health.