Dope Test to Be Mandatory Before Joining Government Service: CM Sukhu.

Directs Departments to Clear Pending Dues of Class-IV Pensioners; Intensifies Anti-Drug Measures.

Shimla:

In a significant move aimed at strengthening the fight against drug abuse and ensuring administrative accountability, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed all government departments to make dope testing mandatory for individuals before they join government service in the state.

Chairing a high-level meeting of Administrative Secretaries at the Secretariat on Friday evening, the Chief Minister emphasized the state government’s commitment to combating the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly among the youth. He instructed departments to issue necessary guidelines and implement mandatory dope testing for all prospective government employees before their appointment.

The Chief Minister also sought detailed reports regarding government employees found involved in trafficking chitta (heroin) and reviewed the action taken against them. He reiterated that the state government has launched a mass movement against drug abuse and is taking stringent measures against drug traffickers and networks operating in the state.

“Protecting the youth from the scourge of drugs remains one of the government’s top priorities,” Sukhu said, adding that no leniency would be shown towards those involved in narcotics-related activities.

Relief for Class-IV Pensioners

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed all departments to ensure the early release of pending gratuity and leave encashment dues of retired Class-IV employees, in line with the commitment made in the state budget. He stressed that eligible pensioners should not face unnecessary delays in receiving their rightful benefits.

The Chief Minister also instructed departments to furnish complete details of applicants seeking employment on compassionate grounds. He said the information would enable the government to take an appropriate and informed decision on such pending cases.

Vacant Posts to Be Filled

Reviewing the status of vacancies across departments, Sukhu asked officials to provide updated information on all unfilled posts so that recruitment processes could be expedited. He informed the meeting that the state government has already decided to fill 500 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT), aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency and creating employment opportunities.

Special Drive for Removal of Fallen Trees from June 1

The Chief Minister also reviewed the impact of recent storms and directed officials to compile comprehensive data on trees uprooted or felled on forest land. He announced that a special campaign to remove such fallen trees would begin from June 1.

Sukhu noted that delays in removing uprooted trees often result in loss of valuable forest resources and revenue to the state. He instructed Forest Department officials to ensure the timely removal and disposal of fallen timber on a priority basis.

Senior Officials Present

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Additional Chief Secretaries K.K. Pant and Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretaries to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar and Ashish Singhmar, along with other Administrative Secretaries.

The decisions taken during the meeting are expected to strengthen governance, expedite employee welfare measures, enhance recruitment processes, and reinforce the state’s ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.