Punjabi University, NISD sign MoU to strengthen social welfare and youth development
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, July 31, 2026: The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjabi University, Patiala, to promote social welfare initiatives, strengthen capacity building and encourage research-based interventions.
The agreement, signed in New Delhi, aims to strengthen social defence, integrate social welfare perspectives into administrative training, promote joint training programmes and support effective interventions at the regional and grassroots levels.
Dr Damanjit Sandhu and Dr Jagjit Singh Chatha represented Punjabi University at the signing ceremony. Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, Member, NISD, and Special Member/Invitee, National Council for Control of Drug Abuse Research (NCCDR), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, attended the event as the chief guest.
Dr H.C. Sridhara Channakeshava Ranga Reddy, Vivek Kumar and Tanya Sengupta of NISD were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Bindra said the partnership would provide fresh momentum to research, evidence-based policymaking and inclusive development in the social welfare sector. He added that the collaboration could contribute to strengthening the country’s social protection framework through training, institutional cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
Bindra said the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment remained committed to the welfare and development of young people, with a particular focus on preventing substance abuse. He highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes and community-based initiatives in protecting young people from drug addiction.
Emphasising the role of sports in promoting healthy lifestyles, Bindra said efforts would be made to encourage greater participation in sporting activities. He added that sports kits would be distributed in the future to motivate young people to take up sports and channel their energy in a positive direction.
Referring to his earlier tenure as State Chairperson of the Punjab Youth Development Board, Bindra said several initiatives had been undertaken to promote sports among young people and keep them away from drugs. Free sports kits were distributed to youth clubs, colleges and universities, while efforts were also made to address the concerns of sportspersons and support their careers.
He said the department would continue working for the welfare of Punjab’s youth and support initiatives aimed at their development, empowerment and protection from substance abuse.
Bindra also noted that NISD had earlier signed an MoU with Desh Bhagat University to advance social welfare and empowerment initiatives in Punjab and other parts of the country.
The new partnership with Punjabi University is expected to strengthen academic collaboration, joint training, research and capacity-building efforts in the field of social welfare.