Punjab’s drug census 2025 will survey around 65 lakh families to assess substance abuse and its socio-economic impact. (Representative Image)The Punjab government is set to roll out its first comprehensive Drug and Socio-Economic Census in April, with nearly 28,000 government employees tasked to survey around 65 lakh families across the state. The exercise is expected to be completed within three months.The initiative aims to create a “scientific” strategy to combat the drug menace by collecting household-level data, shifting the focus from enforcement to targeted rehabilitation. The state has allocated Rs 150 crore for the census and related de-addiction efforts.Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said the census would provide crucial insights into the scale and impact of substance abuse. “The census aims to determine the magnitude of drug abuse, identify specific substances used, and assess the impact on socio-economic factors like employment, poverty, and education levels,” he told The Indian Express.The decision to conduct the census followed a pilot survey in 11 villages, where authorities found that families were willing to share information about drug addiction despite concerns about stigma. A government official said, “We carried out a dipstick test. There were apprehensions that the families may not be forthcoming due to social stigma involved. However, we realised that they are so sick of the menace that they see everyone approaching them as a God-sent opportunity. They want help, no matter who is willing to offer it. Such is the state of affairs.”Cheema said the initiative would only strengthen the government’s anti-drug campaign. “We have achieved enormous success with our Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign. But we want to identify even the last person hooked to drugs. This will not only help us in tackling the menace by making it the responsibility of the government to send every addict to a de-addiction centre but also to identify the peddlers supplying to him. This will also help break the nexus of law enforcers with the peddlers, if any,” he said.The Panchayats and Rural Development Department has been designated as the nodal agency for the exercise. It will coordinate with other departments to carry out the door-to-door survey. School teachers, including computer instructors, will be deployed as enumerators.Announced in the Punjab Budget for 2025–26, the census is also expected to contribute to the government’s “Badalta Punjab” roadmap.Previous studies, including the Punjab Opioid Dependence Survey and research by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, had estimated that over 30 lakh people in Punjab use some form of drugs, with higher prevalence in border districts. However, officials say the new census will provide more accurate and updated data. “The upcoming census will provide up-to-date, definitive data to replace these older estimates,” an official said, adding that it could also help the state shed its image of ‘Udta Punjab’.The drug menace is a politically contentious issue in Punjab. In 2012, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had sparked controversy by claiming that 70 per cent of Punjab’s youth were addicted to drugs. Speaking to students at Panjab University in Chandigarh he had said that “seven out of 10 youth in Punjab have drug problems,” subsequently blaming the then Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP coalition government for not providing opportunities and failing to tackle the menace. This had invited criticism, with the ruling combine accusing him of defaming Punjab.Story continues below this adAlso Read | Punjab and Haryana HC hears plea citing 74 lakh drug users, seeks responses from Punjab, Haryana, and ChandigarhPresenting the Budget earlier this month, Cheema said preparations for the census were complete. “The necessary groundwork has been completed, including development of the dedicated software platform and comprehensive training of field functionaries to ensure accuracy, transparency and data integrity. Building upon this preparedness, the census will be rolled out from April,” he said.Highlighting progress under the state’s anti-drug drive, Cheema added, “Over the past year, 36,686 cases have been registered against 52,331 drug traffickers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the seizure of more than 33,000 kg of narcotics through intelligence-led operations.”Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... 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