Punjab launches India’s first mental health fellowship to strengthen anti-drug campaign
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 21, 2025: In a major push to strengthen Punjab’s fight against substance abuse, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Friday launched the ‘Leadership in Mental Health Programme’—India’s first fellowship focused on reducing substance use and improving mental wellbeing.
The initiative is a joint effort of the Punjab Health Department, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai.
Dr. Balbir Singh said the fellowship will bring 35 mental health professionals from India and abroad to support prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts across all 23 districts.
“Only a swasth Punjab can be a Rangla Punjab. To fight the growing challenge of drug abuse, we need skilled and compassionate youth who can help remove ignorance, stigma and apathy,” he said.
Explaining the programme, the Minister noted that the two-year fellowship will place early-career professionals under the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit, which drives the state’s anti-drug strategy. Fellows will receive a two-week induction by TISS Mumbai before beginning field work.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Balbir Singh said the fellowship marks a strong step toward institutionalising mental-health care in Punjab.
He added that initiatives—from creating public spaces for physical activity to launching specialised fellowships—aim to make mental health services more accessible and compassionate.
Of the 35 fellows, 23 will be posted in district units, 10 in five Cluster Resource Centres and two at the DITSU headquarters in Mohali. Each fellow will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹60,000, along with specialised training, mentorship and hands-on experience in public health.