Feature-State Government intensifies war against chitta with zero-tolerance policy
· 5,642 cases, over 8,250 arrests and Rs. 91.24 crore in property linked to NDPS Cases
SHIMLA-18 October, 2026-The state government has intensified its campaign against chitta through a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking, stronger legal measures, financial investigations, public participation, youth awareness and expanded rehabilitation facilities. Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to dismantle drug networks, protect young people and help individuals affected by substance dependence rebuild their lives.
A major step in this campaign came in March 2025, when the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha passed two Bills aimed at strengthening the fight against narcotics and organised crime. The Himachal Pradesh Drugs and Controlled Substances (Prevention, De-addiction and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025, focuses on drug prevention, stronger action against offenders, treatment and rehabilitation. The Himachal Pradesh Organised Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, seeks to strengthen action against organised criminal networks, including those involved in drug trafficking. These legislative measures reflect the state's focus on tackling both the supply of narcotics and the criminal networks operating behind the trade.
The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, emphasising that nobody involved in drug trafficking should be shielded because of political, financial or social influence. Over a three-year period, 5,642 narcotics-related cases were registered and more than 8,250 arrests were made. Action was also reported against 139 government employees, including the dismissal of 15 state government employees and 22 police personnel. Enforcement efforts focus on repeat offenders, organised supply chains, financial investigations and mapping suspected drug networks at the panchayat level.
Action under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act has also been strengthened to disrupt major trafficking networks. In December 2025, 46 major drug traffickers had been detained under the law and illegal assets worth Rs. 46 crore had been confiscated. The objective is to weaken the financial resources of trafficking networks and prevent their continued operation.
Financial investigations have emerged as an important component of the campaign. During the period from 2024 to 2026, properties valued at approximately Rs. 91.24 crore were frozen in 115 cases across various districts and police districts of the state. Police District Nurpur recorded 14 cases involving properties worth Rs. 22.28 crore, followed by Solan with 15 cases worth Rs. 17.86 crore, Shimla with 16 cases worth Rs. 12.61 crore, Una with 2 cases worth Rs. 10.98 crore, Sirmaur with 7 cases worth Rs. 8.84 crore, Kangra with 8 cases worth Rs. 6.24 crore, Mandi with 8 cases worth Rs. 3.62 crore, Police District Baddi with 21 cases worth Rs. 5.12 crore, Bilaspur with 19 cases worth Rs. 2.19 crore, Police District Dehra with 3 cases worth Rs. 89.65 lakh and Kullu with 2 cases worth Rs. 19.02 lakh. Year-wise, properties valued at Rs. 25.43 crore were frozen in 12 cases in 2024, Rs. 23.98 crore in 27 cases in 2025, and Rs. 41.42 crore in 76 cases in 2026. These efforts demonstrate the state government’s continued commitment to financial investigations and to identifying and freezing properties linked to cases under investigation.
To encourage public cooperation, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Chitta Information Reward Scheme during an anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Dharamshala on 1st December, 2025. The scheme provides for cash rewards ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on the quantity involved, while rewards exceeding Rs. 5 lakh have been specified for information concerning major drug networks. Citizens can report information through emergency helpline 112, with confidentiality for informants emphasised. The government has also proposed an Anti-Chitta Volunteer Team to strengthen coordination between police and local communities.
Prevention remains central to the campaign. Through the Khelo Himachal-Chitta Mukt Himachal initiative, the state is encouraging young people to participate in sports and constructive activities. Awareness walkathons in Shimla, Dharamshala, Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur have also promoted public participation in the fight against drug abuse. The initiative aims to encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen awareness among young people and their families.
Alongside enforcement, the government is expanding treatment and rehabilitation services. Nav-Jeevan, the women's de-addiction and rehabilitation centre at Mashobra, provides specialised care, including medical treatment, psychological counselling, accommodation and rehabilitation support. Another de-addiction and rehabilitation centre is planned at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, while a modern 100-bed de-addiction and rehabilitation centre at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district is being developed to expand treatment capacity.
The state government has also established a De-addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Board to strengthen preventive measures and support the reintegration of people affected by substance dependence. District-level de-addiction services aim to improve access to treatment, counselling and recovery support across Himachal Pradesh.
By combining stricter enforcement, financial investigations, public participation, sports-based prevention and rehabilitation, the state government is seeking to address both drug trafficking and the social consequences of addiction.
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SHIMLA-18 October, 2026
HPGA organises Kullu Dussehra with grandeur in Canada
- Dussehra ‘a symbol of victory of good over evil’, says Chief Minister in his video message
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually addressed an event organised to mark the grand celebration of the world-renowned Kullu Dussehra at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. In his video message, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the Himachali Pravasi Global Association (HPGA) for organising the event. He stated that the fervour with which Indian festivals, culture and traditions are respected and celebrated across the world by the Indian diaspora reflects upon the Indian values and our generational legacy of unity in diversity.
A special highlight of the event was a video message from the Chief Minister in which he stated that the Dussehra festival is a symbol of triumph of good over evil. “It teaches us to always and fearlessly stand with what is right because no matter however strong evil appears, Dharma will eventually be victorious over Adharma,” stated the Chief Minister.
The festivities, showcasing the vibrant and rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh was hosted by Member of Parliament for Orleans Marie-France Lalonde and organized by the HPGA, with the enthusiastic support of more than 35 Indo-Canadian organizations.
Sh. Sukhu said that the grandeur celebration of Kullu Dussehra at the most iconic national landmarks of Canada has brought together members of the Indian diaspora, particularly representing Himachal Pradesh, community leaders, cultural enthusiasts and distinguished guests. He stated: “The diversified gathering is an example of Himachal’s growing reach and influence across the world. This reflects that the skill, talent and leadership qualities of the people of Himachal Pradesh are respected all over the world. This also gives us the opportunity to showcase the rich traditions, cultural diversity and spiritual heritage of Himachal Pradesh.”
The Chief Minister said that the captivating cultural performances, including the traditional Naati and Jhamakra folk dances, along with a vibrant presentation of Ram Leela, highlights the dedication of the Indo-Canadian community in preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage and Himachali traditions for future generations.
Thakur Sukhvindere Singh Sukhu praised the display of Himachali hospitality as delicacies from Himachal Pradesh were served to the guests at the event. Culinary specialities of Himachal included traditional Himachali Dham that introduced attendees to the distinctive flavours of the state.
The Chief Minister also praised the HPGA for its dedication to bringing together the Himachali diaspora, promoting the cultural heritage and tourism of Himachal Pradesh and building meaningful connections between Himachali communities worldwide and their adopted homeland of Canada.
Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney also conveyed warm wishes on the occasion of Kullu Dussehra stating that the cultural diversity, community engagement and the contributions of Indo-Canadians to Canada’s multicultural fabric was important and valuable.
The HPGA Board of Directors - Bhagya Chander, Arun Chauhan, Vivek Nazer, Sanjeev Thakur, Ashu Kalia and Poonam Guleria - reaffirmed commitment to promoting Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, strengthening bonds among the global Himachali diaspora and showcasing the beauty, traditions and values of Himachal Pradesh on the international stage.
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SHIMLA -18 October, 2026
PG doctors from PGI Chandigarh and AIIMS, Delhi to get appointment on merit
- Government amends Resident Doctors Policy-2025
The state government has amended the Resident Doctors Policy-2025 to facilitate the appointment of eligible postgraduate (PG) doctors who have completed their postgraduate qualifications from the PGI, Chandigarh, and the AIIMS, New Delhi. The appointments would be made against vacancies of Senior Residents/Tutor Specialists in the state's medical colleges.
A spokesperson of the health department said here today that according to the notification issued by the Department of Medical Education a new clause has been incorporated into the Resident Doctors Policy-2025. As per the new provision, eligible PG doctors from these two premier medical institutions shall be appointed on the basis of merit obtained in MBBS and postgraduate examinations, without any written test or interview.
The appointments will be made under the 33.33 percent quota reserved for direct candidates.
The spokesperson stated that the amendment reflects the government's initiative to facilitate the recruitment of qualified medical professionals in health institutions of the state. It would strengthen the availability of specialist medical services in Himachal Pradesh.
The spokesperson further added that the Chief Minister was focused on strengthening government medical colleges, expanding opportunities for postgraduate medical education and improving the availability of specialized healthcare.
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Himachal Pradesh selected as best performing state in Tobacco Free Youth Campaign
Chief Minister lauds health department for sustained efforts
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said here today that Himachal Pradesh has been selected as the best performing state in the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 (TFYC 3.0). He credited the persistent efforts of the Health and Family Welfare department for this achievement.
The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the Health and Family Welfare department for its successful implementation of TFYC in the state. He said that as a result of the sustained efforts of the department, Himachal has been selected as one of the best in the larger state category and the award will be presented to Himachal on 28th October, 2026 at New Delhi.
The TFYC was launched in 2023 to mark World No Tobacco Day. The ongoing TFYC 3.0 is a 60-day drive to prevent youth tobacco use and support cessation through six key strategies.
Himachal Pradesh’s performance was marked exceptionally praiseworthy in various categories. These included escalating public awareness on harmful effects of tobacco, enhancing tobacco free educational institutions compliance strategy, enhancing enforcement of COTPA 2003 and PECA 2019 strategy, its endeavor for tobacco free villages strategy, amplifying social media engagement and capacity building. The final evaluation was carried out on the basis of the average percentage achieved under the above mentioned categories.
Himachal was selected as one of the best performing states by an expert committee. The committee in its meeting on 13th April, 2026 reviewed the performance of the states/UTs and decided to classify the states and UTs into three categories in accordance with the NITI Aayog classification, namely - Larger States, Smaller States and Union Territories.
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Chief Minister inaugurates phase-IV of Armsdale building at HP Secretariat
- New milestones achieved by strengthening health education and services: Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- Top priority being accorded to infrastructure expansion: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated Blocks 1 and 2 of Phase IV of the Armsdale Building at the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat. Approximately Rs. 9 crore has been spent on this construction project.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that infrastructure expansion was essential alongside development. The Secretariat building had been expanded, and offices would be shifted to the new premises shortly.
Replying to questions from media persons thereafter, the Chief Minister said that the number of postgraduate (PG) medical seats across the state's six government medical colleges had been increased from 277 to 597, marking a historic addition of 320 seats.
He said that number of PG seats at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, has been increased from 139 to 230, an increase of 91 seats. At Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, the number of seats had risen from 99 to 156, up by 57 seats. At Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Mandi, the number of seats had risen from 24 to 79, an addition of 55 seats. At Dr. YS Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan, the PG seats has been increased from 3 to 35 seats, an increase of 32 seats. At Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, the seats have been increased from 4 to 32, adding 28 seats, while at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, the PG seats have been increased from 8 to 65 seats, addition of 57 seats.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was placing special emphasis on strengthening government medical colleges, expanding opportunities for PG medical education and improving the availability of specialised healthcare services.
Sh. Sukhu said that the increase in PG medical seats would provide young doctors with greater opportunities to pursue specialised medical education within the state. It would also increase the availability of trained specialist doctors in government hospitals.
He said that the state government was committed to providing specialised medical services to people close to their homes. Along with strengthening the infrastructure of healthcare institutions, the government was ensuring the adoption of modern technology.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that nearly 15 to 20 years old health equipment were being replaced with modern machines. He stated that healthcare institutions were being equipped with machinery at par with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
The Chief Minister added that, until four years ago, the availability of doctors in the state's medical colleges stood at only 35 percent. The present state government has increased this figure to over 70 percent. The government had set a target of raising doctor availability to between 80 to 85 percent by the next year.
Radiodiagnosis services had also been strengthened and efforts were underway to bring the waiting period for these services down to zero.
He said that the use of technology in healthcare services, combined with the availability of specialists, would help the people of Himachal Pradesh save approximately Rs. 1,000 crore annually, as they would no longer need to travel outside the state to access specialised medical services.
In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that the state government had constituted a commission for re-organisation of various Administrative Units in the state with the objective of improving public convenience and administrative efficiency. The commission would conduct a detailed study and submit its report to the government, following which decisions would be taken accordingly.
MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surender Chauhan; Principal Adviser (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Officer on Special Duty Ritesh Kaprate, HIMCON Chairman Vikesh Chauhan, municipal councillors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Director Information and Public Relations Rajiv Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police Mehar Panwar; Chief Engineer Vijay Chaudhary, office-bearers of various organisations and other dignitaries were present at the occasion.
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