AAP to launch anti-drugs campaign in Punjab, Kumar Vishwas to lead - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

AAP to launch anti-drugs campaign in Punjab, Kumar Vishwas to lead

IANS | By, New Delhi
Apr 29, 2016 05:55 PM IST

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is all set to launch an anti-drugs campaign, primarily in Delhi and Punjab, with poet-politician Kumar Vishwas as its face, a party source said on Friday.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is all set to launch an anti-drugs campaign, primarily in Delhi and Punjab, with poet-politician Kumar Vishwas as its face, a party source said on Friday.

AAP leader Kumar Vishwas to be face of anti-drugs campaign by party in Punjab, Delhi.(HT File Photo)
AAP leader Kumar Vishwas to be face of anti-drugs campaign by party in Punjab, Delhi.(HT File Photo)

The campaign, ‘Ek Nasha’, comes at a time when the party has stepped up its efforts to win next year’s assembly elections in Punjab. “We are trying to bring on board some NGOs which work on anti-drug awareness and some of the victims who have been rehabilitated to create an understanding among people on the hazards of consuming drugs,” the source told IANS.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Consumption of illicit drugs is a major problem in Punjab. According to a National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) report, opioids worth Rs 7,500 crore are consumed in Punjab every year. Of these, heroin’s share totals Rs 6,500 crore. Based on previous studies, Punjab’s opioid dependents are four times more than the global average. “While around 2.3 lakh people are opioid-dependent in Punjab, around 8.6 lakh are estimated to be opioid users. Heroin-dependents are the highest at 123,414,” the sources quoted the report.

AAP leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has blamed a section of the police, bureaucrats and politicians for the spread of drugs in Punjab.

Also read II Cong to get zero, SAD-BJP less than 10 seats in Punjab: Kejriwal

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On