Himachal to Introduce Chapter on Drug Abuse in School Curriculum: CM Sukhu Announces Comprehensive Measures Against Narcotics.
Shimla:
In a major step toward curbing the growing menace of drug abuse, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Himachal Pradesh government will soon introduce a dedicated chapter on drug abuse awareness in the school curriculum. The announcement was made during a state-level function held on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister called upon every section of society to unite in making Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state. “The vision of a prosperous country can only be realized by channelizing the energy of our youth in the right direction,” said CM Sukhu, adding that the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug use and trafficking.
Stern Action Against Offenders, Especially Government Employees
The Chief Minister sent a strong message to those involved in the drug trade, warning of tough action against government employees found engaged in drug trafficking. “There is no place for drugs in Devbhoomi,” he said emphatically. He urged the youth to come forward and become active participants in the anti-drug campaign.
He further added that the government will remain relentless in cracking down on drug networks and intends to break the supply chain with strict legal and administrative measures.
Rehabilitation and Infrastructure Boost
In a move to aid rehabilitation efforts, CM Sukhu announced the establishment of a 100-bedded De-addiction Centre at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district with an outlay of Rs. 5.34 crore. The construction is set to commence this year. In addition, plans are underway to set up a de-addiction centre in every district of the state.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that soon after assuming office, his government implemented the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, which the previous BJP government had failed to enact during its tenure.
Anti-Drug Pledge and Felicitation
CM Sukhu administered an anti-drug pledge to the attendees and honoured several individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts in the fight against drug abuse. Among those recognized were:
Dr. Satyavart Vidya (Bhuntar, Kullu)
Prof. Sachin Kumar (Dehri, Kangra)
Kalgidhar Trust (Baru Sahib, Sirmaur)
Ek Pahal Welfare Society (Bilaspur)
Gunjan Organization for Community Development (Una)
SP Gaurav Singh (Solan)
Manav Kalyan Sewa Samiti (Chopal, Shimla)
Narender Chauhan (Anti-Drug Force, Rohru, Shimla)
Prajapita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya (Mandi)
Gram Panchayat Jagatkhana (Nirmand, Kullu)
Social Awakening Needed: Health Minister
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil stressed that a movement akin to the freedom struggle is needed to combat drug abuse. “Drug peddlers are enemies of society,” he said, urging parents and teachers to engage in continuous dialogue with children and promote participation in sports and constructive activities.
Cultural and Educational Participation
The event also featured performances by specially-abled children from Dhalli orphanage home and a thought-provoking skit by students of Government Degree College, Kotshera (Shimla), both aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.
The function saw participation from several dignitaries, including MLA Sanjay Awasthy, CM’s Political Advisor Sunil Sharma, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, and senior bureaucrats and law enforcement officials.
With a multi-pronged approach involving education, enforcement, rehabilitation, and community participation, the state government is setting a firm foundation to eradicate the scourge of drugs from Himachal Pradesh.
