Haryana Assembly Discusses Rising Synthetic Drug Issues Amidst Heated Debates

Task Force Proposed to Combat Drug Trafficking

Chandigarh News: The seventh day of the Haryana Assembly's budget session was marked by significant disruptions. The session began with a confrontation between Vinish Phogat, the MLA from Julana, and Irrigation Minister Shruti Chaudhary over drainage issues. Following this, a ruckus erupted during zero hour regarding the recruitment of inspectors by the Congress government. The focus then shifted to a motion concerning synthetic drugs. Sheeshpal Keharwala highlighted the alarming rise of synthetic drug use in Haryana, which has led to numerous fatalities among children and young adults.

Minister Mahipal Dhanda reported that over 17,000 cases have been registered, and properties of around 100 traffickers have been demolished. Congress MLA Ashok Arora pointed out that drug issues are more prevalent in districts bordering Punjab. He criticized the government's claim of a decrease in drug-related cases, arguing that statistics indicate an increase. He raised concerns about the police's handling of drug traffickers, suggesting that the quantities are often minimized before being presented in court, allowing traffickers to secure bail and retain their drugs.

Drug Awareness and Police Accountability

Congress MLA Mandeep Chhatta expressed agreement with the discussions on drug issues, emphasizing that conditions are particularly dire in districts adjacent to Punjab. He questioned the government's efforts to prevent drug infiltration in schools and colleges, noting that everyone is aware of the drug activities in his constituency, yet no action is taken. He called for the establishment of stringent laws against drug use and criticized the poor conditions of de-addiction centers, citing a lack of cleanliness and qualified counselors.

16% of Haryana's Population Affected by Drugs

Keharwala further stated that a detailed discussion on this topic is essential. He pointed out that the government's statistics over the past five years show an increase in drug-related cases, which should ideally be decreasing. He referenced central government data indicating that 16% of Haryana's population is trapped in drug addiction, with 10% specifically involving synthetic drugs. He urged the government to form a task force to tackle major drug cartels, particularly in Sirsa, where hospitals report a staggering 900,000 outpatient visits related to drug issues. He demanded a clear roadmap for combating drug abuse.

Formation of a Committee to Address Drug Issues

In response to inquiries about drug issues, Mahipal Dhanda suggested forming a committee within the house to provide recommendations for addressing shortcomings without resorting to blame. Other members could also contribute their suggestions against drug abuse. Addressing objections from opposition members, Dhanda stated that he had presented all relevant data, but if they chose not to listen, there was little he could do. The Speaker announced the formation of a committee to address youth-related matters, allowing the issue to be raised further. Subsequently, the Speaker suspended the session for one hour.