AAP MLA questions govt over its deaddiction, rehab schemes

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party legislator from Sunam, Aman Arora, has raised questions over the ‘casual’ efforts of the Punjab government in addressing the issue of drug addiction in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Arora said the state board for de-addiction and rehabilitation was constituted by the government in June 2014, but nothing much has been done so far.

He said as per the reply of the health minister to his question in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, since the formation of the board, only four meetings have taken place till now.

“The approach of the Congress government in Punjab in this regard is similar to that of the previous SAD-BJP one,” he said.

The Sunam member of legislative assembly (MLA) said the budget allocation and expenditure for the purpose also raised question over the working of state government.

“Between 2013-14 and 2017-18, the government has allocated ₹326.11 crore, but only ₹161.17 crore had been spent for the purpose,” he claimed.

“That is just 49% of the total allocated budget. Moreover, the government has only allocated ₹6 crore for the scheme in 2017-18,” he added.

Arora said, “Out-patients departement in government hospitals are decreasing with each passing year.”

“Being the representative of people, It is my duty to raise the issues of public concern,” he added.