Chandigarh, 18 July (H.S.): Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday launched the Comprehensive Youth Recovery and Rehabilitation Campaign in Punjab, a statewide initiative aimed at addressing substance abuse among young people.The campaign was inaugurated in the presence of the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and other High Court judges.A spokesperson for the Punjab State Legal Services Authority said the campaign would be implemented in mission mode by all District Legal Services Authorities from July 18 to October 31, 2026.The initiative aims to identify and support vulnerable youth through structured rehabilitation, prevent substance abuse, ensure access to counselling and medical treatment, and facilitate their long-term reintegration into society.Special attention will also be given to prisoners suffering from substance dependence. They will be provided counselling, treatment and rehabilitation support to help them overcome addiction with dignity.The campaign will be implemented in three phases. The first phase, from July 18 to 31, will focus on institutional preparation, capacity building, district-level mapping and the identification of vulnerable areas and individuals.During the second phase, scheduled from September 1 to 30, District Legal Services Authorities will organise voluntary counselling and family counselling sessions. People requiring medical assistance will be referred to government de-addiction centres. The identities and personal details of beneficiaries will remain confidential.The third phase, from October 1 to 31, will focus on post-treatment rehabilitation and follow-up. Recovering youth will be connected with schools, colleges, vocational training institutions, skill-development programmes, employment exchanges, sports activities and yoga programmes to prevent relapse and help them rebuild their lives.The spokesperson said the campaign would be implemented through a coordinated network involving the Health Department, Prison Department, police, educational institutions, skill-development agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders.Although the current phase will conclude on October 31, the campaign will not end there. Similar drives will be conducted every quarter to provide sustained rehabilitation and follow-up support.The Punjab State Legal Services Authority has appealed to parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, youth organisations and members of civil society to participate in the initiative and contribute towards building a drug-free Punjab.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH