Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said on Thursday that he does not agree with Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu that opposition leader (LOP) Jai Ram Thakur should go to Delhi with the CM to get assistance from the central government.
“Then why did CM Sukhu not take CM Sukhu with him when he went to Delhi to meet senior Union ministers including Home Minister Amit Shah last week?” Shukla said while interacting with the media. “I do not agree with such statements that LOP should go with government leadership to seek assistance from the central government. The central government always provides financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh and other states whenever required. The Deputy Chief Minister, PWD and Ministers, including the Minister of Urban Development and others, who said that whenever necessary, they provide assistance from the Center.”
On the issue of drug prevalent in the state, Shukla said, “The kind of response expected from the state government and its representatives, especially MLAs, especially MLA, is lacking on land. Anti-Drag campaign, which are being seen on the ground, are the results of people’s efforts, a push from the Gram Panchayat and the Governor House.”
He expressed dissatisfaction over the shortage of government rehabilitation centers. He said, “There is only one red cross-run drug rehabilitation center in Kullu. We are hearing about the identity of the land to install an installation in Sirmaur, but nothing is going to the ground. It reflects the government’s seriousness,” he said. “The state government should have proceeded to open the rehabilitation centers. For a long time, they are saying that the land has been identified and allocated funds, but nothing is solid. If this situation continues, Himachal may turn into ‘Udta Himachal’, and our generations will be damaged.”
“The Government of India has decided to include efforts being made in Himachal Pradesh against misuse of drugs in its national programs. It is the Prime Minister’s inspiration and my own resolve to make Himachal free from drugs.”
The Governor said that Union Minister Mansukh Mandavia had announced that these initiatives would be adopted nationwide. Shukla said, “A resolution called ‘Kashi Shankalap’ has been passed, which will now go across the country, and I am happy that the programs launched by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh are part of it.” “Awareness is increasing. Parents who had previously ignored the use of drugs of their children, are now active. Panchayats are informing the police about suppliers, and the number of cases of NDP (drug drugs and psychotropic substances) has increased significantly.”
According to official data, NDP cases in the state increased from 500 in 2012 to more than 2,200 in 2023.
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Citing a survey of 1,150 prisoners, Shukla said that drug abuse is the highest among individuals aged 15–30. “Awareness is the key to reducing demand. If the Punjab government is taking steps, Himachal should work seriously,” he said.
The Governor urged all political leaders to unite against the misuse of drugs. He said, “I have written to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, and other ministers, requested them to raise awareness and take action on all levels.”
To take the case of parties with DGP
Shukla said that he will raise the Rave parties with the Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tiwari in Kullu-Manali. He said that it was recently brought to his notice. Several non -governmental organizations and green activists filed a clever in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which was particularly demanding a rift at parties held in dense forest areas of Kullu district.
CID personnel caught during media interaction
Unpleasant moments were observed when a personnel from the local Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was found sitting among the media persons when Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla was talking with the media at Raj Bhavan. The security staff of Raj Bhavan called him outside the hall, where the conversation was going on and reprimanded him.
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