The recent public debate about censorship of Bollywood movie Udta Punjab has once again brought focus back on the drug problem in the state of Punjab. The apparent reasons for the censorship is either the facts are exaggerated or the government is being falsely and adversely portrayed. In the first instance, all art is exaggeration. Of course, I haven’t seen the movies since it is not yet cleared for release. However, I personally think there is hardly any scope of exaggeration as the extent of the drug addiction in the state is huge and any honest portrayal may appear to be an exaggeration. Secondly, the massive smuggling and trade of drugs in the state is not possible without the collusion of individuals and agencies who govern. If the government claims that the problem is not serious (as Deputy Chief minister said “Some opportunistic non-Punjabis, political parties, and leaders" have painted a "distorted picture of Punjab as a drug haven“), then that is a worse reflection of the government since it indicates the local authorities are not even aware of the such a huge social issue and are living in denial.
A team from Hope Trust toured the state in 2015 and found an alarming situation prevailing in Punjab. Medical practioners are in a fire-fighting mode to tackle the huge influx of addicts seeking treatment. Large number of de-addiction centres have sprung up – mostly unprofessional with dubious backgrounds. It’s a matter of demand and supply. Those meeting the demand – doctors, psychiatrists, treatment centres – are making the most of the situation with little or no attention to internationally accepted protocols or ethics.