State govt taking strong steps to eradicate drug menace: Minister

Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Anirudh Singh presided over the district-level celebrations of the 78th Himachal Day, held at the historic Ridge in the state’s capital. Addressing people present on the occasion, he said the state government was taking strong steps to eradicate drug menace from Himachal Pradesh.

The minister said soon after the present Congress-led state government came to power, it implemented the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, , 1988, to crack down on habitual offenders involved in drug trafficking.

“Additionally, the state government has passed the Himachal Pradesh Anti-Drug Act to differentiate between victims and offenders of drug abuse, aiming to rehabilitate affected individuals into mainstream society. A Special Task Force is also being formed to tackle drug smuggling more effectively,” he said. Reflecting on the current state government’s tenure, he said the Congress came back to power in the state on December 11, 2022, and since then a new era focused on welfare of the people and transformation of the state was ushered.

“With a firm resolve, the Congress-led government aims to make Himachal a green energy state by March 31, 2026, achieve self-reliance by 2027 and emerge as the most prosperous state in the country by the year 2032. Despite financial constraints, the state has accelerated development and mobilised additional resources,” he said.

“Of the 10 promises made during the Assembly elections in 2022, six have already been fulfilled. The state government remains committed to fulfil the remaining guarantees,” he added.

Earlier, the minister unfurled the national flag and took salute during the ceremonial parade held on the occasion. The parade featured contingents from Himachal Pradesh Police, Home Guards, traffic police and the police and the Home Guards bands. Students from various schools presented various cultural performances on the occasion for the delight of audiences. The minister also felicitated the participating schools with incentive prizes of Rs 5,000 each for their excellent cultural contributions to the district-level celebration of Himachal Day.

Himachal Tribune