Make state drug-free: Channi to panchayats

Nawanshahr, January 11

State Technical Education Minister Charanjit Singh Channi today called upon panchayats to help in making the state drug-free. Administering the oath of office to sarpanches, he asked the panchayats to monitor their villages and bring drug addicts to the Outpatient Opioid Medication-Assisted Treatment centres.

He asked the panchayats to take a pledge regarding not to support drug smugglers or suppliers in any way. Addressing over 3,300 panches and sarpanches, members of block samities and zila parishad, Channi said after getting elected, now, it was the duty of all of us to develop villages with the help of residents in an unbiased manner.

The Minister stressed on the need for development of villages in the coming days, for which adequate grants would be provided by the state.

Terming panchayats as the first step of democracy, he said: “It was our duty to serve people with dedication. Decision on common issues without prejudice would maintain harmony and brotherhood that would further strengthen the unity and integrity.

He lauded the vision of the CM to provide 50 per cent reservation to women in local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions and called upon women representatives to take part in deliberations and decision-making process for the betterment of villages.

He said the government was going to organise job fests in the state in February. — TNS