HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 153 : Model Answer

QUESTION: What initiatives have been taken by Government of Himachal Pradesh to control drug menace? (4 marks/60 words)

Answer:

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has taken various initiatives to control drug menace:

• The Government of Himachal Pradesh has started a special de-addiction helpline under the Chief Minister helpline-1100. This helpline aims at providing counselling and guidance to the patients.
• The Government has recently announced to set up a Special Task Force (STF) to curb the drug menace in the State.
• The Government has launched the ‘Nasha Nahin, Zindagi Chunne’ campaign — an initiative of the Department of State Taxes and Excise and HP Nasha Niwaran Board.
• The State has made drug peddling a non-bailable offence to check drug peddling.
• The State has taken stringent steps against cultivation and for eradication of these drug generating plants. Property worth Rs 20 crore was attached by the State Government earned by the drug peddlers and those involved in this illegal trade.
• The Government has also urged the teachers of schools and other educational institutions to keep strict vigil on the activities going on in their institutions as the drug peddlers specifically target these institutions.
• Special drives to curb drug menace amongst the youth must be regularly organized near schools and colleges from time to time under the Community Policing Scheme.