Himachal makes dope testing for ‘Chitta’ mandatory in police recruitment

Days after Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla expressed concern about the drug menace in the State, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said his government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards the drug menace, even as it decided to introduce mandatory dope testing for ‘Chitta’ (heroin) during police recruitment.

He made the remark during the Cabinet meeting held under his chairmanship in Shimla. The Departments of Police, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Health elaborated the steps being taken to combat drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh.

“The State government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards the drug menace and is fully committed to protecting the youth from falling victim to drug abuse,” said Mr. Sukhu, adding that there’s an urgent need of coordinated actions to dismantle drug networks to protect the youth of the State from addiction.

The Cabinet decided to introduce mandatory dope testing for ‘Chitta’ (heroin) during police recruitment. Besides, all new government employees will be required to submit an undertaking confirming they do not consume ‘Chitta’, said an official statement, adding that strict action would be taken against any government employees found involved in drug-related activities.

“It was informed during the meeting that the drug abuse situation in Himachal Pradesh remains under control, with Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 cases accounting for nine percent of total cases, significantly lower than Punjab’s 20%. Under the tenure of the present government, 45 cases were registered, and properties worth Rs 42.22 crore belonging to individuals involved in drug-related activities were attached. This marks a more than two-fold increase in the number of cases and a three-fold increase in the value of properties seized as compared to previous periods,” it added.

The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to intensify its efforts in capacity building, awareness generation, treatment, counseling, follow-up, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by drug addiction. Besides, he emphasized the need for a coordinated approach, asking all concerned departments to work jointly in waging a comprehensive war against substance abuse. He also stressed the importance of regular interstate border monitoring to prevent drug trafficking.