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Politics
Punjab's Rehab Admissions Surge, Sparking Political Debate on Drug Crisis
✍️ NDTV
🗓 20 Sep 2026, 08:46 AM
👁 10
The number of people entering drug rehabilitation centres in Punjab has risen sharply, prompting heightened political scrutiny of the state's drug crisis.
Punjab has witnessed a noticeable uptick in admissions to drug‑rehabilitation facilities, a trend highlighted in a recent NDTV analysis. Health officials attribute the rise to broader outreach efforts and a growing willingness among users to seek treatment, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
The surge has intensified political debate, with opposition parties accusing the state government of inadequate action on the drug menace, while the ruling party points to its expanded de‑addiction programmes as evidence of progress. Both sides are urging the central government for additional resources and stricter enforcement against drug trafficking.
Analysts warn that unless the political impasse is resolved, the momentum in rehabilitation could stall, undermining efforts to curb the drug problem that continues to affect families across the state.
The surge has intensified political debate, with opposition parties accusing the state government of inadequate action on the drug menace, while the ruling party points to its expanded de‑addiction programmes as evidence of progress. Both sides are urging the central government for additional resources and stricter enforcement against drug trafficking.
Analysts warn that unless the political impasse is resolved, the momentum in rehabilitation could stall, undermining efforts to curb the drug problem that continues to affect families across the state.