Shimla, June 15: Reinforcing the Himachal Pradesh government’s growing campaign against drug abuse, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday urged newly elected Panchayat representatives to become active partners in building a drug-free rural society and lead the movement for “Chitta-Free Panchayats” across the state.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected Panchayat Pradhans and Up-Pradhans at the historic Peterhoff Hotel in Shimla, the Chief Minister described local self-government institutions as the strongest bridge between the administration and the people. He said the success of government policies and welfare programmes ultimately depends on their effective implementation at the grassroots level, where Panchayats play a decisive role.
The event marked not only the formal induction of newly elected rural leaders but also served as a platform for the state government to highlight its broader social reform agenda. During the ceremony, Chief Minister Sukhu administered an Anti-Chitta pledge to all elected representatives, calling upon them to become ambassadors of awareness and vigilance against the growing threat of drug addiction in rural communities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the fight against drugs cannot be won through law enforcement alone. Instead, it requires collective social responsibility, community participation and strong local leadership. He urged Panchayat representatives to take ownership of the campaign by creating awareness among families, identifying vulnerable sections of society and promoting preventive measures that discourage substance abuse among young people.
Sukhu emphasized that Panchayats must become centres of positive social transformation. He encouraged elected representatives to promote sports, education, cultural programmes and youth engagement activities within their villages. Such initiatives, he said, would not only strengthen community bonds but also provide constructive avenues for young people, reducing the risk of their involvement in drug-related activities.
The Chief Minister noted that Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a determined effort by the government to address social challenges while simultaneously accelerating economic and rural development. He said the state administration has adopted a comprehensive approach focused on strengthening the rural economy, improving public services and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
Highlighting the government’s developmental vision, Sukhu said that several ambitious initiatives are being implemented across sectors including quality education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, employment generation, financial management and employee welfare. He added that special emphasis is being placed on building a greener Himachal, improving social infrastructure and strengthening programmes aimed at drug de-addiction and rehabilitation.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the newly elected Panchayat representatives would work with dedication and integrity to ensure that government schemes reach every eligible beneficiary. He said their leadership would be crucial in identifying local needs, addressing public grievances and ensuring inclusive development in rural areas.
Congratulating the newly elected Pradhans and Up-Pradhans, Sukhu said that public representatives at the Panchayat level carry significant responsibility because they are often the first point of contact between citizens and the government. Their commitment to transparency, accountability and public service, he said, would play a vital role in shaping the future of rural Himachal Pradesh.
The ceremony also underscored the state government’s focus on empowering grassroots institutions as engines of social and economic progress. Officials believe that involving Panchayat leaders directly in campaigns against drug abuse can help create a stronger community-led response, particularly in remote rural regions where awareness and early intervention are critical.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur was also present on the occasion and administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected Panchayat Pradhans and Up-Pradhans of the district. The event concluded with a collective commitment from the representatives to work towards village development, public welfare and the creation of healthier, safer and more prosperous communities.
As Himachal Pradesh intensifies its efforts to tackle the challenge of drug abuse, the state’s leadership is increasingly looking towards local institutions to drive change from the ground up. Sunday’s ceremony reflected that vision, positioning Panchayats not merely as administrative bodies, but as key stakeholders in shaping a more resilient and socially responsible rural society.
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