Punjab's Battle Against Addiction Hits a Snag: Crucial Psychologist Hiring Stalled

In a development that's surely disheartening for many battling Punjab's pervasive drug problem, the state government has officially informed the Punjab & Haryana High Court that its crucial recruitment drive for 142 psychologists and psychiatric social workers is currently on hold. Yes, you heard that right – the very professionals desperately needed at de-addiction centers across the state are not being hired, at least not for now. The reason given? A rather broad 'administrative reasons.'

To understand the gravity of this situation, we need to rewind a bit. Back in 2017, the High Court, recognizing the sheer scale of the drug menace gripping the region, took a decisive step. It directed not just Punjab, but also Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, to craft a comprehensive action plan. This wasn't just about arresting drug peddlers; it was about rehabilitation, about setting up proper de-addiction centers, and, crucially, about staffing them with qualified personnel.

Fast forward to 2019, and Punjab had indeed come forward with a detailed roadmap. Part of that plan, a really significant part actually, involved bringing on board 142 dedicated psychologists and psychiatric social workers. These weren't just arbitrary numbers; these were positions designed to make a real difference, to help individuals reclaim their lives from the clutches of addiction, offering therapy and support at the various centers.

The wheels of bureaucracy did start turning, thankfully. Advertisements for these vital roles were eventually issued, first in 2021, and then again in 2022. Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, took on the responsibility of conducting the recruitment process, which included examinations and, eventually, the compilation of a merit list. It seemed like progress, finally.

However, as is often the case with such large-scale public recruitments, the process didn't exactly sail smoothly. Petitions were soon filed in the High Court, raising concerns and alleging irregularities and anomalies in the merit list. This, naturally, put a significant question mark over the entire exercise. The High Court, having been deeply involved from the outset, had even pressed the government previously to make a definitive decision on the recruitment process.

And now, here we are. The Punjab government's counsel has simply stated that the entire process has been "put on hold." While "administrative reasons" is the official line, one can't help but feel that the ongoing legal challenges played a substantial role. It's a significant setback, meaning these crucial positions, which are absolutely essential for effective de-addiction and rehabilitation, will remain vacant for an indefinite period. Think of the people waiting for help, the centers struggling without full staff – it truly puts things into perspective.

The next hearing is scheduled for February 14, and one can only hope that some clarity, and perhaps a resolution, emerges then. For the sake of those battling addiction and the dedicated professionals working to support them, a swift and fair decision is paramount.