CM Sukhu on Sunday said that the fight against drug abuse, particularly the menace of chitta, has transformed into a mass movement across Himachal Pradesh, driven by active participation from all sections of society.
Presiding over the closing ceremony of the Shimla Cricket Carnival at the Police Ground, Bharari, the Chief Minister lauded the organisers for hosting the championship under the theme, ‘Say No to Drugs, Embrace Sports’. He said public involvement has significantly strengthened awareness campaigns aimed at curbing substance abuse in the state.
Highlighting the role of sports in steering youth away from drugs, Sukhu said volleyball and cricket tournaments were also organised during the recently concluded International Shimla Summer Festival. He noted that sports help instill discipline, self-confidence and healthy lifestyles among young people while keeping them away from negative influences.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to a drug-free Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister announced that seminars and walkathons focusing on the harmful effects of drug abuse would be organised in colleges across the state. Senior district-level officers have also been directed to visit schools regularly to educate students about the dangers of addiction.
He said the campaign against drugs is being jointly carried forward by the police, social organisations, panchayats, teachers, parents and youth. The state government, he added, is not only taking action against drug traffickers but is also targeting their financial networks and operational structures.
The Chief Minister stated that over the last three-and-a-half years, illegal properties worth nearly Rs. 51 crore linked to drug-related activities have been confiscated. Strict action has also been taken against several drug traffickers and members of the drug mafia.
Sukhu further revealed that action has been initiated against 123 government employees and police personnel involved in drug-related cases, including the dismissal of 10 government employees and 21 police personnel from service. He described the government’s decision to make dope testing mandatory for recruitment to government services as a landmark step towards achieving the vision of a drug-free state.
The Chief Minister also outlined various initiatives and ambitious schemes aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure and creating better opportunities for sportspersons in Himachal Pradesh.
On the occasion, he announced financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh for organising the tournament and declared a 50 per cent concession in cricket ground fees.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
