Himachal to make anti-chitta test mandatory for government recruitment; drugs worth over Rs 13 crore destroyed
Shimla, June 26
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced that an anti-chitta test will be made mandatory for all future government recruitments as part of its intensified campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
The announcement was made by Acting Chief Secretary KK Pant while addressing the state-level observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed across Himachal Pradesh as 'Anti-Chitta Day' on Friday.
On the occasion, the state government and Himachal Pradesh Police carried out one of their largest coordinated anti-drug operations, scientifically destroying narcotic substances seized under the NDPS Act at 10 locations across the state. The destroyed contraband had an estimated international market value of Rs 13.28 crore.
Speaking at the event, Pant emphasised that the state government is committed to eliminating the menace of "chitta" (heroin) through a comprehensive strategy.
"The anti-chitta test will be made mandatory for all future government recruitments in Himachal Pradesh. The government is working at every level to eradicate the drug menace, and the performance of Deputy Commissioners in all districts will also be evaluated on the effectiveness of anti-drug measures," Pant said.
He further stated that law enforcement agencies were not only intercepting large consignments of narcotics but were also conducting financial investigations to identify and prosecute kingpins operating behind the trafficking networks.
Acting Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tiwari said the state police were continuing to intensify action against drug traffickers across Himachal Pradesh.
Referring to a recent incident involving Nihangs in neighbouring Uttarakhand, Tiwari said the Himachal-Uttarakhand border remained completely peaceful.
"Himachal Police is in constant coordination with Uttarakhand Police, and the situation along the interstate border is being closely monitored," he said.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Gyaneshwar Singh said the issue of drug trafficking had also figured prominently during the NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) meeting held in New Delhi.
He said intelligence indicated that 'chitta' was primarily entering Himachal Pradesh through Punjab, and the state police were working in close coordination with central agencies and other law enforcement organisations to curb interstate trafficking.
"Following the formation of the Inter-State Drug Secretariat, enforcement has become more effective. Police are reaching not only the kingpins but also drug consumers as part of a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the narcotics network," Singh said.
The Himachal Pradesh Police also appealed to the public to report any information related to the trafficking, sale, storage or consumption of heroin or other narcotic substances by calling 112 or informing the nearest police station.
Police assured citizens that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential and that every credible tip-off would be acted upon promptly.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive coordination between police and civil administration. Destroying Rs 13 crore worth of drugs is no small feat. But mandatory drug testing for recruitment could raise privacy concerns if not done transparently. Need clear guidelines on test procedures and appeal mechanisms.
As someone from Himachal, I'm glad to see this. Chitta has destroyed many young lives in our villages. But just testing candidates won't solve it—we need better policing on the Punjab border and more awareness programs in schools. Also, why evaluate DCs only on anti-drug measures? Need holistic development focus.
Good to see the Himachal government taking drug abuse seriously. The public tip-off line is important—people should use it without fear. But I wish they'd also addressed the demand side more. Addiction is a disease, and we need more de-addiction centers in rural areas.
This is exactly what we need! 🔥 Chitta is literally killing our youth in the hills. Mandatory tests for recruitment will act as a deterrent. But I hope the test is scientific and reliable—false positives could ruin innocent careers. Also, include drug awareness in school curriculum from Class 9 onwards.
Ek baat toh sahi hai—Himachal police is finally waking up. 🚔 But why only focus on chitta? What about other synthetic drugs and prescription drug abuse in cities? Also, I'm concerned about the privacy aspect of mandatory tests. Will test results be kept confidential? Need more details.
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