In view of the spread of alcoholism and drug abuse in Punjab, the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) would implement a special pilot project focusing on de-addiction and generating self-employment in the state.
Amardeep Singh Cheema, NYKS national vice-president, said here that the project would be implemented in 10 districts of the state as part of the national plan to be carried out in Manipur as well. These districts are Bathinda, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur, Rupnagar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Patiala, Tarn Taran and Sangrur.
The NYKS is a youth services wing under the union ministry of youth affairs.
In Punjab, 3,000 villages in 75 blocks where large-scale drug abuse was assessed in the survey of the ministry of social justice and empowerment would be targeted, he said.
"It will be a very organised, concerted effort to generate awareness among targeted adolescents, youths and their peer groups like teachers, parents and members of village communities through opinion-makers, social organisations and religious leaders," Cheema said.
He added that NYKS chairman and union minister for youth affairs Ajay Maken had played a major role in pushing the project on the intervention of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
{{/usCountry}}He added that NYKS chairman and union minister for youth affairs Ajay Maken had played a major role in pushing the project on the intervention of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
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