Himachal CM Sukhu’s fresh orders on chitta network puts state police in fix, sets April 20 deadline

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed all district administrations to complete the mapping of drug networks, including suppliers and consumers of ‘chitta’, at the panchayat level by April 20 this year.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress, he pointed out that despite instructions to complete the mapping by March 15, no district had achieved the target yet.

Directives issued at meeting of SPs in Shimla

Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to prepare detailed dossiers on drugs peddlers and consumers up to the panchayat level with utmost seriousness.
Chief Minister said that he would review the progress again on April 20 and officers submitting incorrect reports would be held accountable. He also stated that he would conduct surprise inspections at the panchayat level.

Emphasising the government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse, Sukhu directed all SPs to intensify efforts to dismantle the drug network and instructed them to ensure strict surveillance and continuous monitoring of drug-related activities.

259 properties acquired through drugs identified for demolition

The Chief Minister further stated that properties illegally acquired by the drug mafia will be demolished and 259 such properties have already been identified for action.

Sukhu said that the state government had passed the Organised Crime Control Act and the HP Anti-Drugs Act during the budget session of the Assembly, which should be effectively implemented.

He also said that the government was considering establishing drug de-addiction centres in all districts and instructed DCs to identify vacant government buildings for this purpose.

CM Sukhu reviews social welfare schemes

The Chief Minister also instructed them to prioritise the resolution of public grievances, ensuring timely disposal of cases. He stressed that delaying practice must be stopped.

Sukhu encouraged officers at the block level to adopt government schools and conduct regular monthly visits. He asked them to raise awareness among students about the ill-effects of drug abuse and other social evils while also instilling a sense of nationalism to help shape responsible citizens.

Further, he instructed all DCs to review the implementation of government welfare schemes at the block level and submit progress reports.

Sukhu also reviewed the ‘Vidhwa and Ekal Nari Awas Yojana’ and the ‘Maharishi Valmiki Kamgar Awas Yojana’. He directed all DCs to expedite the identification of eligible beneficiaries so that they can avail benefits at the earliest.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, ADGP Abhishek Trivedi, Secretaries Ashish Singhmar and Rajesh Sharma were also present in the meeting, while DGP Dr Atul Verma, along with all DCs and SPs, joined the meeting virtually.

Sunil Chadha