In a bid to curb drug abuse and prevent diversion of narcotic substances from pharmaceutical companies, the Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced a series of strict monitoring and enforcement measures.
A government spokesperson informed here on Saturday that a committee headed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) is being set up to oversee licensed pharma units dealing in narcotic formulations. It will include officials from the Excise Department, Police, and Drug Control Authority to ensure compliance with regulatory norms and prevent misuse.
To strengthen traceability, the state has approached the GST Council seeking a dedicated e-way bill system for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, enabling real-time tracking of their movement across the supply chain. The State Taxes and Excise Department has also imposed quantity restrictions on license holders to minimise the risk of excess stock being diverted illegally.
The government is revising the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Rules, 1989, and updating the Integrated Drug Prevention Policy to fortify the legal framework. District-level committees chaired by respective District Magistrates have also been formed to coordinate enforcement, inter-departmental action, and awareness drives, particularly targeting youth.
“This fight is not just about laws, rules and regulations, it is about saving lives and protecting our future generations. My government will act decisively and without compromise. Together, with the support of the people of the State, we will build a Himachal free from the grip of drugs,” the Chief Minister said.