Latest news with #Anti-ChittaVolunteerScheme
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sukhu govt to set up boards to combat drug menace
The Himachal Pradesh government will set up Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board to combat the growing drug menace in the state. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Sarkhagaht on Friday said that the board, aimed at preventing drug abuse and reintegrating youth trapped in addiction, will consist of experts from various departments, including home, health, social justice and empowerment, education, youth services & sports, panchayati raj and prison, along with NGOs and social scientists. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Sarkhagaht on Friday said that the board, aimed at preventing drug abuse and reintegrating youth trapped in addiction, will consist of experts from various departments, including home, health, social justice and empowerment, education, youth services & sports, panchayati raj and prison, along with NGOs and social scientists. (HT File) The government is also considering the establishment of a separate de-addiction center for women. Health and family welfare minister Dr (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil said earlier this week that the government is exploring options for a women-specific facility, in addition to a potential government-run de-addiction centre in Shimla. The issue of lack of rehabilitation centres in the state had also triggered a verbal slugfest between governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said, 'There is only one Red Cross-run drug rehabilitation centre in Kullu. We have been hearing about identification of land for setting up a centre in Sirmaur but nothing is moving on ground. This shows the seriousness of the government.' In response to the growing heroin problem in the state, the chief minister also announced the launch of Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme. 'These young volunteers will not only help in preventing the spread of chitta but will also assist in awareness campaigns and in providing timely confidential information to the police so that strict action can be taken against drug mafias. A provision for incentive payments will also be made for these volunteers,' the CM added. The CM further said that the government has implemented PIT NDPS Act and seized property worth over ₹42 crore from drug mafias. 'The state has made chitta testing mandatory in police recruitment and to eradicate chitta (heroin) from its roots, I have directed the formation of anti-drug committees in villages and panchayats. Police will gather drug-related information from panchayat secretary, ASHA and anganwadi workers and police constables and share it with the committee. I want timely action on the reports,' he added. The previous BJP government had also constituted a Himachal Pradesh Nasha Nivaran Board for a period of two years which failed to make significant progress.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Himachal Pradesh CM concerned over growing natural calamities
Sarkaghat: Expressing concern over the growing impact of global warming and frequent natural calamities in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took the salute from an impressive march at the state-level Independence Day function here. The march past was presented by contingents of the police, Home Guards, NCC, ITBP, Uttrakhand Police, Third India Reserve Battalion of Pandoh, Mandi Police, traffic police, ex-servicemen league and Home Guard Band amid heavy rains. Deputy Superintendent of Police Umeshwar Rana commanded the parade. The 79th Independence Day was celebrated across the state with great enthusiasm and gaiety. Functions were held at the district and sub-division levels to commemorate this historic occasion. In his address, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the frequent disasters in the state that have caused heavy losses to life and property. Referring to the 2023 disaster in which the state suffered damages of Rs 10,000 crore, he pointed out that despite the Central government's own assessment, Himachal Pradesh received only Rs 1,500 crore, that too after two years. He said this year's disasters have once again caused severe losses, particularly in Mandi district and the state has not received any financial assistance from the Centre so far. He said the state government has already disbursed Rs 360.42 crore from its resources to aid affected families. He hoped that the Centre would soon extend financial support for the disaster-affected families. CM Sukhu announced to release additional Rs 100 crore for disaster-hit families to provide prompt relief, along with the launch of a Rs 3,000 crore project aimed at disaster mitigation and protecting livelihoods in affected areas. Paying homage to 222 people who lost their lives in this year's disasters, as well as to the eight victims of a bus accident in the Sarkaghat constituency, he assured that the government "stands shoulder to shoulder with every affected family". Under the special relief package, he said compensation for fully damaged houses has been increased from Rs 1.3 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, while for partially damaged houses, it has been raised from Rs 12,500 to Rs 1 lakh. Houses rendered uninhabitable will also be treated as fully damaged for compensation purposes, he added. The Chief Minister expressed concern over the problem of chitta (heroin) and said the government has been making earnest efforts to protect the youth from the drug. "The government has implemented the PIT NDPS Act and seized property worth over Rs 42 crore from drug mafias. The government has made 'chitta' testing mandatory in police recruitment," he said. He also announced the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, under which volunteers will be prepared to act as a bridge between the police and the public. These young volunteers will not only help prevent the menace of 'chitta' but will also assist in awareness campaigns and in providing timely confidential information to the police so that strict action can be taken against drug mafias.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Himachal Pradesh CM announces Rs 100 crore for disaster relief, Rs 3,000 crore for mitigation project
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unfurled the national flag during a state-level Independence Day celebration at Sarkaghat in Mandi district on Friday. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency On the occasion, Sukhu announced the release of an additional Rs 100 crore to provide prompt relief to disaster-hit families, and the launch of a Rs 3,000 crore project for disaster mitigation and protection of livelihoods in affected areas. In his address, the chief minister expressed concern over the growing impact of global warming on Himachal Pradesh, noting that frequent natural disasters have caused heavy loss to lives and properties in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo Referring to the 2023 disaster, he said that despite the Central government's own assessment pegging the damages at Rs 10,000 crore, the state received only Rs 1,500 crore; that too, after a wait of two years. This year's disasters have once again caused severe losses, particularly in Mandi district, Sukhu said, adding that the state has not received any financial assistance from the Centre so far. Live Events The state government has already disbursed Rs 360.42 crore from its resources to aid the affected families, he said, expressing hope that the Centre will soon extend financial support. The chief minister also expressed concern over the drug menace and said that the government has been taking efforts to protect the youth from chitta (heroine). "The state government has made chitta testing mandatory in police recruitment," he said. Sukhu announced the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, under which volunteers will be prepared to act as a bridge between police and the public. "These young volunteers will assist in awareness campaigns and in providing timely confidential information to the police. A provision for incentive payments will be made for these volunteers," he said. He also announced formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board, which will include experts from the home, health, social justice and empowerment, education, youth services and sports, panchayati raj, and prison departments, along with non-governmental organisations and social scientists. "This Board will work to prevent drug abuse, ensure de-addiction and rehabilitation of addicted youths, and reintegrate them into mainstream society. For this, NITI Aayog, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, and the health department will jointly prepare an action plan," he said. Directions have been given for formation of anti-drug committees in villages and panchayats to eradicate chitta from its roots, Sukhu said, adding, "These anti-drug committees consist of the panchayat secretary, ASHA worker, anganwadi worker, and a police constable. The police will gather drug-related information and share it with the committee." The chief minister said the state government is continuously working to provide employment for youths. In the last two-and-a-half years, 23,191 youths have been given jobs in the government sector alone. Sukhu said his government disbanded the Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board because during the tenure of the previous BJP government, jobs were sold in the Board. The Rajya Chayan Aayog has been established in its place, he said, adding that it will conduct computer-based tests to ensure transparency and curb corruption. The chief minister further stated that the government has taken another important step to ensure transparency and promote merit-based selection. He said that previously, in examinations conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, jobs were awarded solely on interview marks, while written examination marks were only qualifying and not added to the final merit. "We decided that final merit will now include marks of both the written examination and interview, so that truly hardworking candidates get the jobs." He said the government is also serious about preventing cheating in exams. "We have decided to introduce a provision of three years' imprisonment for those who cheat or help others cheat in examinations. For this, the government will bring a Bill in the next assembly session," he said. Sukhu said a provision has been made to provide 5 per cent interest subsidy for solar projects ranging from 100 kilowatts to 1 megawatt in tribal areas, and 4 per cent subsidy in non-tribal areas. "The electricity generated from these projects will be purchased by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, providing assured income to the youth," he added. The chief minister also announced Rs 61 crore for this scheme and declared that 2,000 permits for e-three-wheelers would be issued to unemployed youths. He said that robotic surgery has been introduced at Chamiyana Hospital in Shimla district, and other medical colleges will soon follow suit. He also announced the shifting of Atal Medical and Research University from Nerchowk to Sarkaghat. Sukhu further said that he has requested the Central government to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki La. The chief minister also congratulated Flight Lieutenant Arshveer Thakur, a resident of Jubbal in Shimla district, who was awarded the Vir Chakra for his prowess during 'Operation Sindoor'.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
CM Sukhu launches Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, forms Nasha Mukti Board, and announces Rs 3,000 crore disaster relief plan
CHANDIGARH: On the 79th Independence Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a series of major initiatives, including the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, the formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board, and a ₹3,000 crore disaster mitigation and livelihood project. Addressing the state-level function at Sarkaghat in Mandi district after unfurling the national flag, the Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the growing problem of chitta (heroin) addiction among youth. 'Our government is committed to protecting the younger generation from the scourge of drugs,' he said. He noted that under the PIT NDPS Act, property worth over ₹42 crore had been seized from drug mafias, and chitta testing has been made mandatory in police recruitment. Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme Sukhu announced the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, under which trained volunteers will act as a link between the public and police. These youth volunteers will aid in spreading awareness, gathering intelligence, and providing timely, confidential information to the authorities. 'Incentives will be provided for these volunteers,' he said, adding that the scheme aims to create a grassroots-level response to drug trafficking. Nasha Mukti Board for Prevention and Rehabilitation The Chief Minister also announced the formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board. This board will include representatives from departments such as Home, Health, Education, Social Justice, Youth Services, Panchayati Raj, and Prisons, along with NGOs and social scientists. The board's goal is twofold: to prevent substance abuse and to rehabilitate and reintegrate addicted youth into society. An action plan for de-addiction and rehabilitation will be jointly prepared by NITI Aayog, AIIMS, PGI, and the State Health Department. To strengthen the fight at the local level, anti-drug committees will be established in villages and panchayats. These will include the panchayat secretary, ASHA worker, Anganwadi worker, and a designated police constable. The committees will receive and share information, and police officers will be held accountable for regular meetings and monthly reporting.
