CHANDIGARH (India CSR): In a decisive step towards combating drug and substance abuse, the Government of Punjab today launched the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit (DITSU) – a pioneering initiative under its flagship campaign Yudh Nasheyan Virudh (War Against Drugs). This first-of-its-kind public-private collaboration is supported by the Ananya Birla Foundation (ABF) and is poised to drive systemic, data-driven reforms to create a drug-free Punjab.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The launch was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Shri Bhagwant Mann, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab and Ms. Ananya Birla, Founder of ABF. The event, held at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh, was steered by Dr. Balbir Singh, Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare minister and attended by other senior government officials, underlining the state government’s commitment to tackling this critical public health and social issue.
Central Intelligence Hub
DITSU will serve as the state’s central technical and data insights hub, enabling the development of evidence-based policies, strategic interventions, and improved coordination across enforcement agencies, healthcare systems, and community-based organisations. The unit will be headquartered at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali. As part of the collaboration, the Ananya Birla Foundation will provide strategic support for hiring of key personnel, including the co-development of a digital platform for real-time tracking of Drugs of Concern (DoC). This will significantly strengthen monitoring and timely response capabilities across districts.
Areas of Impact
The partnership is designed to drive impact across several key areas which include capacity building through training and up-skilling of psychologists, counsellors, peer educators, and frontline health workers; launching evidence-based prevention programmes and awareness campaigns in schools and colleges; and facilitating seamless collaboration between state departments, academic institutions, and law enforcement.
Campaign Progress Report
The launch of DITSU comes on the heels of intensified efforts under the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign. Since 01st March 2025, the state’s Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline has received over 12,000+ anonymous tips, resulting in 2782 FIRs, 3644 arrests, and the identification of 755 drug hotspots. Enforcement agencies have also cracked down on financial networks, and seizing over ₹ 10 crores in illicit proceeds.
Chief Minister Statement
Shri Bhagwant Mann, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab stated, “The Government of Punjab remains unwavering in its mission to address the drug crisis through institutional reform, innovation, and compassionate care”. He added, “We knew when supply chains are disrupted, those already addicted will suffer. So we have well-equipped rehabilitation centres, adequate medical facilities, education opportunities, and employment options to prevent them from falling back into addiction.”
ABF Founder Remarks
Ms. Ananya Birla, Founder of Ananya Birla Foundation, said, “We are honoured to partner with the Punjab Government on this critical mission. DITSU reflects our shared commitment to leveraging evidence, technology, and empathy to tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing our society. We hope this initiative serves as a scalable model for transformative change.”
Vision and Commitment
DITSU is envisioned as a key pillar of Punjab’s comprehensive response to drug abuse – uniting data, people, and purpose to ensure no citizen affected by drugs is left behind in the journey toward timely treatment, recovery, and reintegration.
(India CSR)
