Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Police has launched Pradhaav - Wipe Out Drugs, a campaign in collaboration with the youth of Himachal Pradesh to fight against the emerging problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the society especially among the youth. The campaign aims to collaborate with youth of the state. They plan to collect ideas from youngsters between the ages of 16-25 years to fight the menace of drug abuse. 

The campaign was launched on February 25, 2023 at Police Headquarters, Shimla. Students of various institutions of Himachal Pradesh actively participated. Moving ahead, 'Pradhaav' contest was declared open on March 13, 2023 with the launch of five themes by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shiv Patap Shukla. At present students are submitting their proposals on the five themes via online. The last date of registration has been extended from April 14, 2023 to April 24, 2023. Interested participants may register for the contest by visiting Himachal Pradesh Police website.

As the second leg of the campaign, a discussion session was held recently at Police HQs, Shimla. Judges, advocates, public prosecutors, investigation officers and journalists participated in the discussion session. Ideas were exchanged about how various stakeholders from the society together can end this drug menace. The participants also discussed whether cannabis cultivation should be decriminalised or legalised in the state.

Chirag Bhanu Singh, OSD, High Court of Himachal Pradesh, was the chief guest of the event. Arvind Malhotra, Registrar General of Himachal Pradesh High Court; Additional Advocate General, Deputy Advocate Genrals, Director Prosecution, senior advocates and journalists were also present. Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, Sanjay Kundu, ADGP Law & Order Satwant Atwal Trivedi; ADGP CID and Vigilance and other senior officials of police also participated in the discussion.

Talking to Bureaucrats India, DGP Sanjay Kundu said that almost forty percent of the prison inmates are booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He further added that the problem of drug abuse should be tackled in a holistic way. From families to schools to colleges to other stakeholders of society will have to come forward to end drug abuse in the state. Rehabilitation is equally important. 

He said that Himachal Pradesh Police is handling cases of drug peddling with utmost strictness and peddlers are being prosecuted.

The district level contest will take place on may 10, 2023 and the range level contest will be held on May 24, 2023. The grand finale of the event is scheduled for 26th of June, 2023 at Shimla on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Three best proposals will be shortlisted and granted a prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 75,000. /BI/