Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said that the campaign against drug abuse, particularly the menace of chitta, has now grown into a widespread mass movement across the state.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Shimla Cricket Carnival held at the Police Ground, Bharari, yesterday evening. The cricket championship was organised under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Embrace Sports”.
Sukhu said over the last three and a half years, illegal assets worth nearly Rs 51 crore were confiscated by the state government, along with strict action against several drug traffickers and mafia networks. “Action has been taken 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 said.
He added that the government’s decision to make dope testing mandatory for recruitment to government services is a landmark step towards achieving the vision of a drug-free Himachal.
Highlighting efforts to steer youth away from substance abuse, Sukhu said volleyball and cricket tournaments were also organised during the recently concluded International Shimla Summer Festival to channel young energy into positive activities. He noted that sports help instil discipline, self-confidence and a healthy lifestyle while keeping youth away from negative influences.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to building a drug-free society, he announced that seminars and walkathons on the harmful effects of drug abuse would be organised in all colleges across the state.
MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, councillors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
