Himachal Pradesh Mandates Drug Testing for Government Jobs and Professional Courses
Himachal to make dope tests a must for govt jobs, professional courses
Hindustan Times
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The Himachal Pradesh government will implement mandatory dope testing for heroin for all government job applicants and students seeking admission to professional colleges. This initiative aims to combat drug abuse in the state and includes measures for rehabilitation rather than punishment for those found using drugs.
- 01Mandatory dope testing for heroin will be required for government jobs and admissions to professional colleges in Himachal Pradesh.
- 02The state government has adopted a 'zero tolerance' policy towards drug trafficking and abuse.
- 03Students found consuming drugs will receive rehabilitation support instead of being denied educational opportunities.
- 04Since 2023, over 10,000 arrests have been made in drug-related cases in Himachal Pradesh.
- 05A second phase of the anti-drug campaign will run from June 1 to August 20, 2026, focusing on awareness in educational institutions.
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The Himachal Pradesh government has announced that dope testing for heroin will become mandatory for applicants seeking government jobs and admissions to professional colleges. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat drug abuse, stating that the initiative is part of a larger campaign against narcotics under the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. Students pursuing medical and engineering courses will undergo annual drug screenings, and pre-admission testing may be introduced for other higher education programs. The government aims to rehabilitate individuals found using drugs rather than penalizing them, promoting awareness and prevention. Since the start of 2023, the Himachal Pradesh Police have registered 6,811 cases under the NDPS Act, leading to 10,357 arrests and the seizure of 45,867 kilograms of narcotics. The campaign will intensify with the second phase running from June 1 to August 20, 2026, focusing on educational outreach. The government has also identified 122 government employees involved in drug-related activities, with several already terminated from service.
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This initiative aims to reduce drug abuse among youth and promote a healthier environment in educational institutions in Himachal Pradesh.
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