Fight against drugs
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet’s decision to ask all new government employees to furnish an undertaking that they do not consume ‘chitta’ (heroin) infuses fresh vigour to counter the mounting drug problem. Earlier, dope testing had been made mandatory during police recruitment in the hill state. The measures are an admission of the severity of the crisis, and the need to extend all-out support to the campaign against drug abuse. Neighbouring Punjab is an example of what delayed action can result in. It also provides a template for both successes and failures in the long-drawn battle. First and foremost is to end the discourse of deniability regarding the situation on the ground. A multi-pronged strategy is vital, one that mandates zero tolerance towards those in the business of producing and selling drugs, and shows the way out to addicts.
