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.