SHIMLA – In a decisive move to scrub the state administration of drug-related corruption, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the dismissal of 31 government employees, including 21 police personnel, for their alleged involvement in narcotics cases.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting of the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) committee on Monday, May 11, 2026. The Chief Minister emphasized a “zero-tolerance” policy, stating that no individual—regardless of their rank or department—would be spared if found complicit in the state’s growing drug menace.
Inside the Crackdown: Who Was Affected?
The recent investigation has exposed a web of involvement stretching across various vital government sectors. While the police department saw the highest number of terminations, the crackdown reached deep into the state’s infrastructure:
- Law Enforcement: 21 police personnel dismissed.
- Other Departments: 10 employees from sectors including electricity (HPSEBL), education, transport (HRTC), banking, forest, health, revenue, and Jal Shakti.
- Total Investigations: Action has been initiated against a total of 123 government employees and police officials currently under the scanner.
Chief Minister Sukhu remarked, “For our government and policing system, honesty, discipline, and public trust are paramount. ‘Chitta’ (heroin) is not merely a drug problem; it is a direct attack on our youth, families, and the future of Himachal Pradesh.”
New Measures: Mandatory Dope Tests and Awareness
To prevent further infiltration of the drug trade into the government, the Chief Minister announced that dope tests will now be mandatory for all new recruitments in government departments. Furthermore, students seeking admission to professional institutions—such as medical, engineering, and pharmacy colleges—will also be required to undergo testing.
To ensure accountability at the top, the state will now incorporate numerical grading in the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police based on their performance in curbing drug abuse in their respective districts.
The “Anti-Chitta” Campaign Phase II
The government is also shifting its focus toward prevention and rehabilitation. The second phase of the “Anti-Chitta” awareness campaign is set to run from June 1 to August 20, 2026, targeting government schools and colleges.
Key initiatives include:
- Dedicated Rehabilitation: A new de-addiction center for women will be opened under the leadership of the police department, with another facility established at Tanda.
- A “Safe” Reporting System: The CM urged families to report addiction cases via the emergency helpline 112, assuring that victims seeking treatment will not be arrested but will instead receive rehabilitation support.
- Increased Rewards: Incentives for whistleblowers providing information on narcotics trafficking are being increased to encourage public participation.
Key Takeaways
- Mass Dismissals: 31 employees (21 police, 10 civil) fired for drug ties.
- Zero Tolerance: 123 officials currently under investigation.
- New Rules: Mandatory dope tests for all government jobs and professional college admissions.
- Reporting: Victims of addiction are encouraged to seek help via helpline 112 without fear of arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why were the 21 policemen dismissed? They were found involved in narcotics cases, violating the code of conduct and compromising public trust.
2. Is a dope test required for all students in Himachal? Currently, the mandate applies to students seeking admission to professional colleges (medical, engineering, nursing, etc.) and candidates for government jobs.
3. Will addicts be arrested if they come forward? No. Chief Minister Sukhu clarified that victims of addiction will receive treatment and rehabilitation support rather than facing arrest.
4. What is ‘Chitta’? ‘Chitta’ is a local term for synthetic heroin, which has become a significant concern for health and security in Northern India.
