Himachal Pradesh : Persons named in chitta cases barred from contesting panchayat polls: Minister

In a major step to intensify the fight against chitta, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh on Tuesday said that individuals against whom cases related to chitta have been registered will not be eligible to contest panchayat elections.

“The decision will come into force from the upcoming panchayat elections,” the minister said, outlining a series of measures being taken by the state government to curb the growing drug menace.

Singh said special gram sabhas would be convened in all panchayats across the state to create awareness about drug abuse and devise community-level strategies to tackle the problem. As part of the initiative, the principal of a nearby senior secondary school will be designated as the nodal officer for anti-drug campaigns in panchayats.

He added that cash rewards would be given to individuals providing credible information about the supply and use of chitta.

The minister said chitta had spread to nearly every panchayat in the state, with 264 panchayats—mostly in border areas—identified as the worst affected. “Special focus will be laid on these panchayats to bring the situation under control,” he said.

Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy, Singh said strict action would be taken against those involved in the drug trade, particularly government employees. “We have received data regarding employees involved in chitta supply, and the process to take action against them has already been initiated,” he said, adding that properties acquired through drug money would be demolished.

To keep youth away from drugs, the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department will organise sports tournaments, including cricket, kabaddi and volleyball, from the panchayat level to the state level starting in the first week of February. Each tournament will carry a cash prize of Rs 21 lakh, he said.

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