cm-hits-out-at-governor-over-udta-punjab-remarks

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday strongly objected to recent remarks made by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla about the drug problem in the state. Sukhu said it was not appropriate for someone holding a constitutional office to make such statements.

 

The Governor had, last Thursday, expressed concern over the lack of rehabilitation centres in Himachal and warned that if immediate action wasn’t taken, the state could become like "Udta Punjab" in the coming five years.

 

The Governor said that cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act had increased by 340 per cent from around 500 in 2012 to about 2,200 in 2023. The Governor said, "There is only one rehab run by the Red Cross in Kullu. We have been hearing that land is being identified to set up a rehabilitation centre in Sirmaur district, but nothing is moving on the ground,” he added.

 

Speaking to reporters, CM Sukhu said, “The Governor is holding a constitutional and dignified office and we respect him. But making such statements does not behove him. We should all respect the people of Himachal Pradesh.”

 

Sharing details of his government’s efforts to tackle drug abuse in the state, the Chief Minister said, "No previous governments have done what we have done against the drugs. Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, which enables the detention of repeat offenders involved in drug-trafficking, was invoked for the first time in Himachal Pradesh within three months after the formation of the Congress government.”

 

He informed that assets worth Rs 43 crore, linked to drug traffickers, have been seized so far. Instructions have been given to map all 3,575 panchayats in the state. “A head constable and a constable will be deployed for every 5–6 panchayats to dedicatedly work against drug abuse,” he added.

 

“This mapping will help identify not just users, but also the sources of drugs,” the CM said.

 

"I will also apprise the Governor of steps taken against drug abuse and inform him that several non-governmental organisations are working in this direction. For the first time, a Nasha Nivaran Kendra (state-level model drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centre) was opened at Kotla Barog in Pachhad sub-division of Sirmour district," he said.