A WHO study has pointed to a sharp increase of infertility among Punjab’s males and attributed it to drug abuse, alcoholism and pesticides. Drug abuse is affecting not only the health of Punjab youth but also their chances of employment. The police and the armed forces used to attract well-built, tall youngsters from Punjab’s rural areas. Now, as media reports indicate, many fail to meet the minimum physical standards. During the recruitment of constables in Patiala last week there were 3,300 aspirants and more than half could not run even half the qualifying distance. Their height was not up to the required level.
Earlier, given the pathetic state of government educational institutions in the rural areas, youth lacked the basic skills needed for a job. Since educationally they could not compete with urban students, they were successful at least in jobs requiring physical strength. Now they all lag behind in health. Unemployment drives them to depression. This, in turn, forces them to take to drugs, which are easily available all over Punjab, thanks to a thriving nexus of politicians, policemen and drug peddlers. Media reports indicate that the number of drug addicts has risen sharply to 60-70 per cent of the population in the border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. The network is well known. Narcotics are available over the counter at chemist shops.
At least three steps are needed to tackle the drug menace. First, drug availability should be stopped by firm police action and political backing. Secondly, the government should spend more on sports and provide adequate facilities in every school and college instead of just holding big tournaments for NRIs. Punjabis are known for their excellence in games. Thirdly, awareness should be spread among rural youth about innovative agricultural practices and agri-businesses by providing cheaper credit and training. Poverty is a mother of various ills, including poor health. A healthy environment alone can produce healthy youth.
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