Bathinda: The Punjab government has announced a statewide ban on the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18. The decisive move aims at safeguarding children’s health and strengthening the anti-drug campaign.
The announcement was made by Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh during an official meeting held in Bathinda.
Confirming the decision, Dr. Singh said that, “Punjab was the first state to ban hookah bars and e-cigarettes. Now, I have also banned energy drinks. They are completely prohibited in schools where children under 18 study. There are also instructions for the same from the World Health Organization (WHO).”
The Minister emphasized the health risks associated with energy drinks, describing them as “very dangerous and leading to many diseases.” Singh also said that parents and teachers have been urged not to keep energy drinks at home or in schools, underscoring that enforcement will be strict and violators will face legal action.
The state minister also stated that he has urged the Centre to implement a similar ban in colleges. “I met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and told him that it should be banned in colleges too. Not everything happens by law; we need society’s cooperation,” he noted.
He revealed that a new policy has been formulated for the rehabilitation of drug-addicted children. “We will not send them to jails, but to rehabilitation centers. We will teach them skills so they can stand on their own feet,” he said.
The government also plans to expand drug de-addiction facilities across Punjab, equipping them with modern infrastructure and services to provide effective treatment and support.
Recognizing the shortage of medical personnel in the state, Singh announced that nearly 2,000 new doctors will be recruited soon.
Calling for collective responsibility, the health minister stressed the need for intellectuals, educators, and the general public to join hands in combating drug abuse.
