GoI nominates Sukhwinder Bindra to appoint District Coordinators in Punjab for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Sukhmander Bhangoo
Ludhiana (Punjab), November 3, 2026: Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, nominated by the Government of India to work for the implementation of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ (Drug-Free India Campaign) in Punjab, has announced plans to appoint district coordinators across the state to strengthen anti-drug awareness activities at the grassroots level.
Bindra, associated with the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) and a Special Member/Invitee of the National Coordination Centre for Drug Reduction (NCCDR) under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said the proposed coordinators would facilitate and coordinate campaign activities in their respective districts.
He said the initiative aims to expand the campaign’s reach and involve more young people in efforts to prevent substance abuse.
Bindra has previously organised large-scale youth awareness programmes under the campaign in Punjab. The first was held at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in January 2025, followed by another at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, in November 2025.
According to Bindra, more than 50,000 young people participated in the two programmes, while lakhs of others joined online from different parts of the country. Union Cabinet Minister Dr Virendra Kumar and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria attended the events.
He said similar programmes would continue to be organised to engage students and young people in the campaign.
Emphasising youth welfare and prevention of substance abuse, Bindra said his team would continue working with the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under the leadership of Minister Dr Virendra Kumar to promote youth development and keep young people away from drugs.
He also highlighted the role of sports in preventing substance abuse, saying that sports activities could help channel the energy of young people in a constructive direction.
Bindra announced that sports kits would be distributed in the coming period to encourage young people to participate in sports and stay away from drugs.
Recalling his earlier tenure as chairperson of the Punjab Youth Development Board, Bindra said he had worked to promote sports and discourage substance abuse among young people. During that period, sports kits were distributed free of cost among youth clubs, colleges and universities.
He added that efforts were also made to support players facing difficulties so that their sporting careers were not disrupted. He said the initiative to assist sportspersons would continue.
Bindra reiterated his commitment to youth welfare in Punjab and said further efforts would be made to expand awareness activities and encourage greater participation in sports.
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Cabinet Minister Dr Virendra Kumar for their support and vision for youth empowerment.