Senior BJP spokesperson and former MLA Rajendra Rana on Monday urged the Himachal Pradesh Government to adopt and implement the Centre’s “Drug-Free India-2029” roadmap, describing it as a comprehensive national strategy to curb drug abuse and safeguard the country’s youth.
Addressing a press conference in Dharamsala, Rana said the roadmap, unveiled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is based on a zero-tolerance policy towards drug mafias and emphasises technology-driven surveillance, drug-free campuses, rehabilitation, financial investigations, inter-state coordination and public participation. He said the initiative reflects the Centre’s commitment to combating the drug menace while strengthening national security.
Referring to deliberations at a meeting of Chief Secretaries and senior officials held on June 26, Rana said drug trafficking had emerged as a serious national security challenge, as proceeds from the illegal trade are used to finance organised crime and terrorism. He stressed that the fight against narcotics requires coordinated action by governments, educational institutions, families and civil society.
Expressing concern over reports that the names of some administrative and police officials in Himachal Pradesh had surfaced in drug-related cases, Rana called for impartial investigations and strict action against anyone found guilty.
Rana also announced that he would submit a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the establishment of a regional unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Himachal Pradesh to strengthen intelligence-sharing and intensify action against inter-state drug trafficking networks.
Appealing for a united campaign against drug abuse, Rana said political parties, social organisations, educational institutions and parents should rise above political differences and work collectively towards building a drug-free Himachal Pradesh and a drug-free India. Former minister and MLA Sudhir Sharma, Mayor Shamsher Singh Nehria and other BJP leaders were also present on the occasion.