To assess the ongoing efforts in fighting against drug-related crimes and to plan robust strategies to reinforce anti-narcotics programs across the state, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chaired a meeting of the state-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) committee here on Friday.
According to an official statement, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police attended the meeting via videoconference and special emphasis was laid on the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the challenges of drug abuse and trafficking.
As part of the directives issued, Rastogi instructed all Deputy Commissioners to conduct detailed inspections of drug de-addiction centres throughout the state and submit comprehensive compliance reports by April 22. This initiative aims to enhance accountability, improve service standards of these centres, and boost rehabilitation outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra emphasised that the inspections should not only highlight deficiencies but also recognise positive developments and propose actionable steps to improve the quality of services at these centres.
The Chief Secretary also directed the Department of Food and Drug Administration to impose stricter regulations on chemist shops in the state. These include mandatory installation of CCTV cameras to monitor operations and prominently display their licences in a visible location for consumers, and awareness programmes to educate chemists about the legal implications of non-compliance with drug sale regulations.
These measures are intended to improve transparency, curb the illegal sale of controlled substances, and ensure consumer safety.
To further support drug prevention initiatives among students, Rastogi proposed the expansion of 'Prahari Clubs'—student-led anti-drug awareness groups. He advised that these clubs should now include the parents of addicted youth, alongside teachers, to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth counselling and rehabilitation.
The Chief Secretary also directed the Department of Food and Drug Administration to impose stricter regulations on chemist shops. These include mandatory installation of CCTV cameras, visible display of valid licences, and awareness programmes to educate chemists about the legal implications of non-compliance with drug sale regulations.
To further support drug prevention initiatives among the youth, Rastogi proposed the expansion of 'Prahari Clubs'—student-led anti-drug awareness groups—to include parents of addicted individuals alongside teachers. The goal is to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth counselling and rehabilitation.
The Additional Chief Secretary reiterated the state's commitment to protecting its youth from the menace of drug addiction. She said Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had launched a new initiative named ‘SANKALP’ (Substance Abuse and Narcotics Knowledge, Awareness and Liberation Programme Authority). This initiative will spearhead awareness campaigns, preventive education, and rehabilitation support to ensure a healthier, drug-free future for Haryana.
G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary, announced that the Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department has developed the Haryana Drug Abuse Monitoring System—a digital platform designed to deliver end-to-end de-addiction services at licensed centres. After successful pilot runs in Ambala and Panchkula, the portal will now be implemented statewide.
A star-rating system for de-addiction centres has also been introduced to ensure the delivery of high-quality treatment services.
Director General of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), O P Singh, reported significant progress between January and March 2025. During this period, 834 FIRs were filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, leading to 1,319 arrests. Among these, 119 cases involved commercial quantities of narcotics, while 578 were related to intermediate quantities.
The HSNCB also conducted 103 awareness programmes, reaching over 18,500 individuals. In addition, the ‘Sports for Youth’ initiative covered 2,515 villages, using sports as a medium to engage and educate young people in the fight against drug abuse.
The meeting was also attended by Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur and senior officials from various departments.
Follow us
