Haryana Chief Minister Announces Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Drug Abuse
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, speaking during the Question Hour of the budget session in Chandigarh on Wednesday, emphasized the state government's unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse. He declared a zero-tolerance policy, asserting that strict legal action is being taken against individuals who push youngsters into addiction, with no leniency for those jeopardizing the youth's future.
Coordinated Inter-State Strategy and Enforcement Measures
Saini detailed a comprehensive inter-state strategy to curb the drug menace, involving enhanced coordination and intelligence sharing. A Joint Secretariat has been established, comprising Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Regular inter-state meetings are being held to strengthen efforts, with the Haryana Police actively targeting drug networks at their roots. Enforcement measures are under constant review to ensure effectiveness.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Aarti Singh Rao joined the discussion, highlighting the central government's MANAS portal, which enables citizens to report drug-related activities confidentially. Specifically addressing Sirsa district, she reported that in 2025, the Drug Control Administration conducted 174 raids, resulting in the sealing of 16 chemist shops, suspension of six licences, and cancellation of 12 others. Out of 1,708 chemist shops in the district, CCTV cameras are already installed in 1,650 shops to monitor compliance.
New Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Set to Launch
In a separate announcement, Haryana Sainik and Ardh-Sainik Welfare Minister Rao Narbir Singh revealed that regular classes at the Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Charkhi Dadri will commence from April 1, 2027. Responding to queries from MLAs, he explained that the institute's establishment was announced last year. Initially, it will operate from the building of Kisan Model School. The formal process of transferring the building and completing other formalities with the education department is expected to be finalized during 2026, ensuring activities begin as per the stipulated timeline.
Housing Relief for Economically Weaker Families in Ballabhgarh
Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel announced a significant step towards resolving long-pending housing issues. He stated that conveyance deeds for houses allotted to economically weaker families in Ballabhgarh's Janata Colony will be completed through a special camp soon. Nearly 40 years ago, 1,624 houses were allotted to poor families, and the process of executing property registrations (registry) for these houses will now be expedited via a dedicated camp to ensure speedy resolution.
Elevated Flyover Planned to Ease Faridabad Traffic Congestion
Haryana Public Works (Buildings and Roads) Minister Ranbir Gangwa addressed growing traffic concerns in Faridabad by announcing the exploration of an elevated flyover from Ballabhgarh to Pali under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode. Responding to a question during the budget session, he informed the House that the proposed 8.2-km-long project includes a two-lane elevated flyover and 7-metre-wide service roads on both sides, developed along the Ballabhgarh–Pali–Dhauj–Sohna Road up to RD number 9.085.
The estimated cost of this ambitious project is around Rs 500 crore. To advance the proposal, tenders will soon be invited for appointing a consultant to prepare the detailed project report (DPR). An estimated amount of Rs 105.37 lakh has already been prepared and sent for administrative approval for the DPR preparation. Additionally, a proposal to construct a service road up to the Harchandpur Distributary is under consideration for feasibility.
