Historic Budget Session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly Ends with Strict Laws Against Drug Abuse

Shimla, March 28: The budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly concluded today, marking a historic moment for the state. Over the course of 15 days, the session witnessed 73 hours of intense discussions, with 572 starred questions and 196 unstarred questions raised in the House. The session’s significant productivity, at 110 percent, saw the passage of several key bills, including the Himachal Pradesh Organized Crime Prevention and Control Bill 2025 and a strong anti-drug abuse bill, addressing some of the state’s most pressing concerns.

The Assembly held 15 meetings throughout the session, during which a wide range of issues were discussed, including topics under rule 46, 61, 62, 130, 101, and 324. Notably, 24 subjects were received during the Zero Hour, with 15 of them debated in depth. Despite the heavy workload, the Assembly maintained a high level of productivity, underscoring the commitment of both the government and opposition to addressing vital state issues.

Among the highlights of the session were the eight bills passed by the House. Chief among them was the Himachal Pradesh Organized Crime Prevention and Control Bill 2025, a measure aimed at tackling organized crime in the state. Another landmark legislation was the Bill Against Drug Abuse, which comes as a significant step toward curbing the rising drug addiction problem in Himachal Pradesh. These bills are expected to bring stricter punishments for individuals involved in drug-related crimes and activities, signaling the state’s determination to fight back against the drug menace that has plagued many areas.

Other notable legislations passed during the session include three important bills concerning salary allowances for state employees, as well as various provisions aimed at strengthening the law and order machinery in the state. The passage of these bills is seen as a critical move towards enhancing the state’s governance and welfare framework.

At the conclusion of the session, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the importance of the bills passed and emphasized that they are steps toward making Himachal Pradesh a more prosperous and secure state. “This is a historic session that addresses the growing threat of drug addiction in the state and takes strong measures to combat organized crime,” said Sukhu. “These bills are integral to our vision of a stronger, safer Himachal.”

The Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur also addressed the session’s conclusion, acknowledging the important issues raised by the opposition both inside and outside the House. Thakur emphasized that while the opposition raised various concerns regarding governance and welfare, the session nonetheless saw meaningful debate on several key issues, reflecting the democratic spirit of the Assembly.

The passing of the anti-drug abuse bill is particularly significant, as it comes at a time when drug addiction has become a serious public health crisis in the state. By introducing stricter laws, the Himachal Pradesh government aims to not only penalize drug traffickers and users but also offer rehabilitation and awareness programs to reduce drug abuse in vulnerable communities.

As the Assembly proceedings adjourned indefinitely, the state of Himachal Pradesh now looks toward implementing these new laws, with hopes of improving the lives of its citizens and enhancing the overall governance of the state. The success of this budget session signals a strong start for the current government in addressing key issues that affect the state’s security and social welfare.