Rajasthan's Chief Secretary Issues Warning on Illegal Hookah Bars
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Synopsis
The Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Sudhansh Pant, reiterated the complete ban on hookah bars in the state, emphasizing strict action against illegal operations and drug dealers, aimed at promoting a drug-free environment.
Key Takeaways
- Hookah bars are banned in Rajasthan.
- Immediate action under the Hookah Bar Prohibition Act - 2019.
- Collaboration among departments to combat drug abuse.
- Awareness campaigns to educate the public.
- Monitoring of private de-addiction centers.
Jaipur, Feb 11 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant emphasized that hookah bars are strictly prohibited in the state, and decisive measures will be implemented against those operating illegally, as well as against drug dealers.
He instructed the Police Department to act swiftly under the Rajasthan Hookah Bar Prohibition Act - 2019, aligning with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's initiative to create a drug-free environment in the state.
Pant chaired the meeting of the State Level Committee of the Narco Coordination Center Mechanism (NCORD) at the Government Secretariat on Tuesday.
He urged the installation of warning signs regarding illicit drug use outside bars, pubs, hotels, restaurants, and liquor outlets, as well as enhancing public awareness through social media platforms.
To deter the younger generation from substance abuse, all relevant departments, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Police, Transport, and Social Justice and Empowerment Department, were instructed to collaborate and target drug mafias. Regular task force meetings at the district level were mandated.
The Chief Secretary also instructed the Medical Department, Police, and NCB to initiate a united campaign against medical establishments selling illegal ‘H’ category drugs and narcotics without proper medical oversight. He called for a joint effort among all departments and drug enforcement agencies to achieve a drug-free Rajasthan. Intensive blockades should be implemented in border districts to curb the smuggling of narcotics and their precursors.
Pant directed officials from the Information and Public Relations Department and Education Department to educate the public about drug abuse prevention through various media and to encourage students to take an e-pledge against drug addiction in educational institutions. He also emphasized effective monitoring of private de-addiction centers.
During the meeting, Ghanshyam Soni, the Regional Director of NCB, briefed the Chief Secretary about their operations, networks, and syndicates through a presentation detailing actions taken against drugs based on data from the Manas portal.
Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Anand Kumar, Administrative Secretary of Finance (Revenue) Department Kumar Pal Gautam, Additional Director General of Police VK Singh, Commissioner of Information and Public Relations Department Sunil Sharma, along with officials from various departments and the Railway Protection Force, with drug law enforcement agency officials participating via video conferencing.
