PUNJAB GOVERNOR SET SEPT.30 DEADLINE TO COMPLETELY ELIMINATION ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE FROM UT

CHIEF GUEST ADMINISTRATOR GULAB CHAND KATARIA WAS SPEAKING AT THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY FUNCTION OF THE SENIOR JOURNALISTS FORUM AT THE LAW AUDITORIUM IN SECTOR 37, CHANDIGARH,  ISSUED A STERN WARNING THAT STATION HOUSE OFFICERS (SHOS) AND FIELD STAFF WILL FACE DIRECT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION IF ILLEGAL DRUGS CONTINUE TO BE SOLD WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS AFTER THE CUT-OFF DATE.

Face2News/Chandigarh

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has set a firm September 30 deadline for the Chandigarh Police and UT Administration to completely eliminate the illicit drug trade from the Union Territory.

Speaking as the chief guest at the first anniversary function of the Senior Journalists Forum at the Law Auditorium in Sector 37, Chandigarh, Kataria issued a stern warning that Station House Officers (SHOs) and field staff will face direct administrative action if illegal drugs continue to be sold within their jurisdictions after the cut-off date.

Cracking Down on Official Complicity: Stating that illegal enterprises cannot operate without police and civil connivance, Kataria pledged to break any official-criminal nexus.

Independent Surveillance: The UT Administration will deploy secret teams and independent informers to conduct ground verification and target networks directly.

Collective Social Responsibility: Emphasized that eradicating drugs requires whole-of-society action, citing Punjab’s historical sacrifices and community unity during recent floods as inspiration to save the youth.

Rehabilitation & Youth Alignment: Kataria underscored that youth affected by substance abuse should be rehabilitated through sports, skill-building, and private-sector job placements.

Public Engagement: Calling for active public participation, the Governor reminded citizens of his weekly Janta Darbars held every Wednesday to address grievances directly.

Media Role & Key Addresses

Kataria described journalism as essential for a prosperous society, urging media professionals to remain unbiased, act with positive intent, and fearlessly highlight administrative and political lapses.

Address by Ramesh Vinayak (Executive Editor, Hindustan Times):

Enduring Credibility of Print Media: Noted that despite changing trends and growing political reliance on social media, print media retains unmatched trust and credibility that can never be eroded.

Media Independence: Highlighted increasing political pressure on media houses while praising journalists for continuing to fulfill their duties transparently and impartially.

Solidarity: Urged journalists to stay united and voice their collective concerns in today’s evolving media landscape. Remarks were also shared by senior journalists Jagtar Singh, Harish Manav, and other media veterans.

Responses to Forum Demands

Health Insurance Cover: Kataria noted existing national health schemes, offering to review special emergency cases submitted by journalists individually.

Dedicated Bhavan: Clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines restrict direct land allocations in the UT; however, the forum may submit proposals to repurpose an existing unutilized building.

Honorees & Distinguished Guests

The event was attended by key forum office bearers, including Patron Sukhdev Singh, President Jagtar Singh Sidhu, Chairman A.S. Prashar, General Secretary Kewal Bharti, Treasurer Surinder Singh Garoa, Vice President P.J.S. Trehan, and Senior Journalist Nitin Jain. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a Malwai Giddha/Bhangra performance by senior citizens led by Pritam Rupal.

Prominent leaders across healthcare and academia were felicitated by the Governor for their contributions to society:

Medical & Healthcare Leaders

Prof. (Dr.) Ravneet Kaur – Director Principal, GMCH Chandigarh, Prof. (Dr.) Yash Paul Sharma – Department of Cardiology, PGIMER
Dr. Ravi Gupta – Chairman & HOD Orthopaedics, Paras Hospital Panchkula, Prof. (Dr.) Harshinder Kaur – Professor of Paediatric Surgery, Rajindra Hospital Patiala (Writer & Social Worker), University Chancellors & Leaders, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar – Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University
Dr. Zora Singh – Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University, Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Singh – President, Desh Bhagat University AMERICAS