Himachal Govt to Launch Phase-II of Anti-Chitta Campaign from June 1; 31 Employees Dismissed Over Drug Links.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced that the Himachal Pradesh Government will launch the second phase of its statewide Anti-Chitta awareness campaign from June 1 to August 20, 2026, in all government schools and colleges across the state. The announcement was made while chairing a meeting of the NCORD in Shimla.
The Chief Minister said administrative and police officers would visit at least 10 educational institutions in their respective jurisdictions to educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He also directed authorities to ensure strict monitoring of pharmaceutical companies and warned that licences of shops involved in illegal sale or diversion of medicines would be cancelled.
Sukhu said the government is committed to eradicating the menace of “chitta” from society and announced that numerical grading related to anti-drug performance would now be included in the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police. He instructed district administrations to hold regular meetings on anti-drug initiatives and ensure timely disposal of seized vehicles and liquor.
The Chief Minister further directed forensic laboratories to submit reports in chitta-related cases within five days to speed up investigations and trials. He also ordered strict surveillance on drug trafficking and instructed authorities to demolish illegally encroached properties belonging to drug smugglers.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Sukhu said the Congress government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs while also focusing on rehabilitation of victims. He stated that anti-chitta testing has been made mandatory for recruitment in government departments and for admissions to professional colleges.
The Chief Minister revealed that around 12,000 individuals linked to drug activities have been identified and special police and CID surveillance has been deployed in 234 highly sensitive panchayats across the state. Among them are 24 panchayats in Mandi, 28 in Kullu, 27 in Bilaspur and several others across Himachal Pradesh.
According to government data, 6,811 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act since 2023, marking a 33.18 percent increase compared to the previous BJP government’s tenure. During this period, 10,357 accused have been arrested and 45,867 kilograms of narcotic substances seized.
Sukhu said 174 drug traffickers have been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act and illegal assets worth nearly Rs. 51 crore linked to the drug trade have been seized in the last three-and-a-half years. He added that 76 illegal properties have been identified, with demolition and eviction action initiated in 17 cases.
The Chief Minister also stated that action has been taken against 123 government employees and police personnel found involved in drug-related activities. Among them, 10 state government employees and 21 police personnel have been dismissed from service.
He also announced that rehabilitation centres for drug victims are being established at Mashobra and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College to support youth willing to quit drugs.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister honoured Gaurav Singh, Renu Sharma and Parul Nainta for their exemplary work in financial investigations under the PIT-NDPS Act.
