Himachal CM administers anti-chitta pledge to newly-elected panchayat representatives
Shimla, June 15
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Monday, administered an anti-chitta pledge to newly elected Panchayat Pradhans and Up-Pradhans in Shimla, urging them to spearhead the state's campaign against heroin, locally known as "chitta", and transform their villages into drug-free communities.
The pledge was administered during a swearing-in ceremony attended by representatives from 441 Panchayats of Shimla district at Hotel Peterhoff.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur formally administered the oath of office and secrecy to the elected representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said Panchayat representatives are uniquely positioned to mobilise communities against drug abuse and create awareness among young people about the dangers of narcotics.
"The fight against chitta cannot be won by the government alone. Panchayat representatives must take this movement to the grassroots and ensure that villages become centres of awareness and resistance against drug abuse," the Chief Minister said.
Speaking to the media, Sukhu said the state government has already completed the first phase of its anti-drug campaign and is now entering the second phase.
"We have already given the campaign the form of a people's movement. The first phase has concluded. In the second phase, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioners and other officials will visit schools to educate students and youth about the dangers of chitta," Sukhu said.
Explaining his decision to personally attend the programme, the Chief Minister said he altered his schedule to ensure that the anti-drug pledge was administered.
"I was scheduled to leave for Delhi, but I felt it was important that all newly elected Pradhans and Up-Pradhans take this pledge. I spoke to the Education Minister and the Deputy Commissioner and decided to administer the pledge personally," Sukhu said.
The Chief Minister added that similar anti-drug pledges would be administered across the state, including in Kangra district.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Anti-chitta pledge" sounds like just another photo op. We need real rehabilitation centres and counselling for addicts, not just speeches and oaths. Panchayat leaders need resources, not just slogans. What's the actual plan to help those already addicted?
I'm from Shimla district and this is badly needed. Chitta has become a menace even in small villages near our home. The CM personally coming to administer the pledge shows he understands the gravity. Let's hope the second phase in schools actually reaches every child.
I see similar pledges happening in Canadian schools too. The grassroots approach makes sense. But follow-up is crucial—awareness is only half the battle. How will they monitor if Panchayats actually remain drug-free? Enforcement and alternatives like sports/youth clubs must be part of the plan.
Good initiative but I've seen such campaigns fizzle out. The real problem is easy availability of drugs from across the border. Without cutting supply chains, this is just a symbolic gesture. Hope the CM follows up with stricter enforcement against peddlers.
As a mother of two teenagers in Himachal, this gives me hope. Chitta has ruined so many families in our village. Panchayats actually have influence here—if the Pradhan says no to drugs, people listen. Let's make it work this time. 🇮🇳
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