Punjab Govt to Strengthen Anti-Drug Efforts with New Mental Health Fellows, ₹60,000 Pay

The Punjab Aam Aadmi Party government has launched India’s first government Leadership in Mental Health Programme, linking it directly to the state’s fight against drugs. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann underlined that the slogan "युद्ध नशे विरुद्ध" reflects an actual on‑ground campaign.

The initiative runs as a two‑year fellowship. The Punjab government will select 35 young professionals who studied psychology or social work and already worked in mental health. Each fellow will receive Rs 60,000 per month, so they can focus fully on work with communities.

Mental health in Punjab fellowship structure and national model vision

Officials say this fellowship is planned as a model not only for Punjab but for the whole country. Fellows will operate across villages, towns, schools, colleges, community centres and rehabilitation facilities. Their tasks will link early prevention, timely treatment and long‑term rehabilitation in one coordinated framework.

The programme is being implemented through a partnership between AIIMS Mohali and TISS Mumbai. Through this tie‑up, the Leadership in Mental Health Programme will cover all 23 districts of Punjab. Authorities state that services for mental health and de‑addiction will be organised at a new scale.

Mental health in Punjab training, leadership focus and policy thinking

Under the plan, fellows will receive specialised training and mentorship from experts at TISS Mumbai. The curriculum focuses on leadership at the grassroots level, so participants can design local plans, guide field teams and respond to different mental health and substance‑use challenges in each district.

Bhagwant Mann’s approach stresses that a drug crisis is not only a police or administrative issue. The government argues that society’s emotional and psychological strength also matters. Strengthening mental health systems, therefore, becomes part of the wider strategy to protect families and secure the future of Punjab’s youth.

Punjab has struggled with drug misuse spreading like an epidemic in many areas. With this programme, the government has chosen a strategy based on specialists, scientific methods and direct public engagement. Officials present the fellowship as a shift towards community‑centred mental health and evidence‑based de‑addiction support.

Applications for the fellowship are open until 7 December. Candidates can check further details through the TISS website link: https://tiss.ac.in/lmhp. The government sees the scheme as an investment in Punjab’s future, where households feel safer and young people can grow without the fear of drugs.