Bilaspur Panchayats Stand Firm Against Drug Trafficking; Target Offender Families
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Synopsis
In a bold initiative, Panchayat representatives in Bilaspur have taken a strong stand against drug trafficking. Families of offenders will lose vital government benefits to combat the drug crisis, particularly targeting the synthetic drug 'Chitta'. This decision aims to deter drug abuse and promote community awareness.
Key Takeaways
- Panchayat enacts resolution against drug trafficking
- Families of offenders lose government benefits
- Focus on raising awareness about drug abuse
- Decision taken during Gram Sabha meeting
- Collaboration among Panchayats emphasized
Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Feb 13 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to tackle the rising drug dilemma in Himachal Pradesh, Panchayat officials in the Bilaspur district have adopted a strong approach against the perilous drug trade, focusing on the trafficking of ‘Chitta (a synthetic drug derived from heroin).
Alarmed by the surging instances of drug abuse, the representatives have enacted a historic resolution: Families of young individuals involved in drug trafficking will lose essential government benefits, which include housing schemes and subsidised food supplies.
This decision was made during a Gram Sabha assembly in Bari Majherwan, situated in the Ghumarwin subdivision.
Families whose members are currently under investigation or facing allegations connected to drug abuse under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) will be excluded from services provided by the Panchayat, a step aimed at diminishing the illegal drug trade in the locality.
Already, four families have been impacted by this ban, with more likely to follow as further cases emerge in adjacent Panchayats.
In an interview with IANS, Pankaj Chandel, the Pradhan of Bari Majherwan Panchayat in Bilaspur stated, "As a Panchayat, we have not received any instructions from the department, government, or from our side to stop anyone’s ration or take such actions against anyone. There is no directive like that."
"The Government of India, the Himachal Pradesh Government, and relevant departments promote awareness through Gram Sabhas, particularly regarding drug abuse, to ensure that our rural youth and schoolchildren avoid this harmful practice."
"However, to our knowledge, there has been no proposal from the Panchayat to withhold anyone's ration. There is no legal provision in our act for this, and neither the government nor the department has issued any such instruction. Even if a child from a family is found involved in drug abuse, it cannot justify depriving the entire family of its entitled benefits."
Pawan Jamwal, the Deputy Head of the Dakri Panchayat, underscored the Panchayat's crucial role in combating drug abuse, asserting that the ban on Panchayat services will remain until the court clears the implicated individuals. He urged collaboration among other Panchayats to intensify efforts against the narcotic threat.
Tilak Raj, the District Development and Panchayat Officer, defended the decision as part of a broader public awareness campaign against drugs. The objective is to empower communities to take control of their future by eradicating the roots of addiction.
