Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Thursday said that he doesn’t agree with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu that Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur should go along with the CM to get aid from the central government in Delhi.
“Then why did CM Sukhu not take LoP with him when he went to meet senior Union ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, in Delhi last week?” Shukla said while interacting with the media. “I don’t agree with such statements that LoP should go with government leadership to seek assistance from the central government. Central government always gives financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh and other states whenever need arises. There are ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister, PWD and Urban Development Minister and others who said that whenever required, they bring assistance from the Centre. Then what is the point in saying that the Centre is not giving assistance to Himachal Pradesh?”
On the prevailing drug issue in the state, Shukla said, “The kind of response which is expected from the state government and its representatives, especially MLAs, against the drug menace is lacking on the ground. The anti-drug campaigns, which are being witnessed on the ground, are the results of efforts of people, gram panchayats and a push from the Governor House on the ground.”
He also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of government rehabilitation centres. “There is only one Red Cross-run drug rehabilitation centre in Kullu. We have been hearing about identification of land for setting up one in Sirmaur but nothing is moving on the ground. This shows the seriousness of the government,” he said. “The state government should have moved forward to open rehab centres. For a long time, they have been saying that land has been identified and funds have been allocated, but nothing concrete has been done. If this situation continues, Himachal could turn into ‘Udta Himachal,’ and our generations will suffer.”
“The Government of India has decided to include the efforts being made in Himachal Pradesh against drug abuse in its national programmes. This is both the inspiration of the Prime Minister and my own resolve to make Himachal drug-free.”
The Governor said that Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had announced that these initiatives would be adopted nationwide. “A proposal called ‘Kashi Sankalp’ has been passed, which will now go across the country, and I am pleased that the programmes initiated by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh are part of this,” Shukla noted. “Awareness is rising. Parents who earlier ignored their children’s drug use are now proactive. Panchayats are informing police about suppliers, and the number of NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases has increased significantly.”
According to official data, NDPS cases in the state have increased from 500 in 2012 to over 2,200 in 2023.
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Citing a survey of 1,150 inmates, Shukla said that drug abuse is highest among individuals aged 15–30. “Awareness is the key to reducing demand. If Punjab’s government is taking steps, Himachal must act seriously,” he said.
The Governor urged all political leaders to unite against drug abuse. “I have written to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, and other ministers, requesting them to raise awareness and take action at all levels,” he said.
To take up matter of rave parties with DGP
Shukla said that he will take up the matter of rave parties in Kullu-Manali with Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari. He said this was recently brought to his notice. Many NGOs and green activists filed a PIL in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, seeking a crackdown on the rave parties, especially held in the dense forest areas of Kullu district.
CID personnel caught during media interaction
Unpleasant moments were witnessed when a personnel of local Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was found sitting among media persons when Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla was interacting with the media at Raj Bhavan. The security staff of the Raj Bhavan called him outside the hall where the interaction was going on and reprimanded him.
