Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed all government departments to make dope testing mandatory for individuals before they join government service. This move is part of the state government's efforts to protect the youth from the menace of drug abuse.
Chairing a meeting of administrative secretaries, Sukhu also sought details of action taken against government employees found involved in drug trafficking. The state government had launched a mass movement against drugs and taken stringent action against the drug mafia.
Of the 123 government employees found involved in drug-related activities, 31, including 21 from the police department, have already been dismissed from service. The chief minister also asked departments to provide complete details of applicants seeking employment on compassionate grounds.
Reviewing employee welfare measures, Sukhu directed all departments to ensure early payments of pending gratuity and leave encashment dues of Class-IV pensioners. He also sought information on vacant posts across departments to facilitate early recruitment.
The government has decided to fill 500 posts of Junior Office Assistant. The chief minister also directed officials to compile data on trees uprooted or felled on forest land due to recent storms, so that they can be removed in a time-bound manner.
A special campaign for the purpose will begin on June 1. Sukhu said delays in clearing fallen trees result in losses to the State's resources and directed the Forest department officers to ensure their prompt removal and timely disposal on a priority basis.
