Himachal Pradesh Mandates Drug Tests for New Government Employees

Himachal Pradesh plans to enforce mandatory drug tests for new government employees, aiming to combat drug abuse among the youth. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu instructed departments to prepare for implementation and stress the state's commitment to fighting drug-related issues.

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced that all individuals seeking government jobs must undergo drug testing before joining. This initiative aims to protect youth from drug abuse and ensure a drug-free workplace.

During a meeting with administrative secretaries, Sukhu emphasized the government's priority of combating drug issues, particularly targeting those involved in trafficking of 'chitta', a form of adulterated heroin. Recent actions included addressing drug involvement among 123 government employees, resulting in the dismissal of 31 staff, mostly from the police department.

Sukhu's directives also focused on resolving employment cases on compassionate grounds and ensuring timely payment of gratuities for Class-IV pensioners. Additionally, he stressed filling 500 Junior Office Assistant (IT) positions to address staffing deficiencies.

The meeting also covered environmental issues, with plans to initiate a campaign on June 1 to clear uprooted trees from recent storms, optimizing timely resource management.