Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet https://himachalscape.com/
Chitta Peddling among teachers, HP Govt terminates 10 employees
Shimla, June 3
Adopting a strict zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse and narcotics trafficking, the Himachal Pradesh Government has terminated the services of 10 government employees, including five teachers and education department staff, for their alleged involvement in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The action follows directions issued by the Higher Education Department after a meeting of the National Coordination on Drug Enforcement (NCORD) chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The government had resolved to take stringent action against government employees found involved in drug trafficking and consumption to restore public confidence and curb the growing menace of “chitta” and other narcotics in the state.
Official records reveal that four employees were identified as being involved in major offences related to drug peddling and trafficking. They include Maheswar Singh, Lab Assistant, Mandi; Dyal Singh, JBT Teacher, Kullu; Om Krishan, Clerk at Government Senior Secondary School Tebban; and Trilok Negi, Senior Assistant. The cases involve recovery of commercial quantities of charas and heroin.
The list of employees booked in user or minor NDPS offences includes Avinash Kapil, Clerk in the Education Department; Sammi Kumar, MTW, Bilaspur; Pankaj Singh, Teacher, Education Board; Vijendra Singh, Teacher, GSS Parsa; Aman Kumar, Lab Technician, Civil Hospital Rohru; and Ankush Sharma, Teacher, Chamba.
Departmental correspondence shows that the government examined the cases under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India and relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. The Directorate of School Education had sought detailed reports from district police authorities before initiating disciplinary proceedings.
The Education Department subsequently directed district education officers and police authorities to furnish complete details of the cases and ensure compliance with government directions.
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The decision marks one of the strongest administrative actions taken by the state government against drug-related offences involving public servants. Officials said the move is intended to send a strong message that involvement in narcotics trafficking or consumption by government employees will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to continuing the campaign against drugs and cleansing public institutions of individuals found involved in narcotics-related activities.
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