Shimla, May 30: Chief Minister Sukhu Singh Sukhu announced on Friday that drug testing will be mandatory for candidates applying for government positions. This decision was made during a meeting with administrative secretaries, where he also addressed the payment of pending gratuities and leave encashment for retired Class IV employees, as per budget announcements.
The Chief Minister instructed department heads to provide complete details of applicants who are seeking jobs on compassionate grounds, enabling the state government to make informed decisions in these cases.
Sukhu also requested updates on actions taken against government employees involved in drug trafficking. He emphasized that the state government has initiated a public movement against drug abuse and is taking stringent measures against drug cartels. Protecting youth from the perils of substance abuse remains a top priority for the government.
In addition, the Chief Minister directed all departments to issue guidelines for the mandatory drug testing of candidates before their appointment to government service.
He further called for information on vacant positions across various departments to expedite the hiring process. The state government has decided to fill 500 positions for Junior Office Assistants.
Moreover, Sukhu instructed officials to gather information on trees that were uprooted or damaged during the recent storm. A special campaign to remove these trees will commence on June 1. He noted that delays in clearing fallen trees lead to resource losses for the state, urging the Forest Department to prioritize their swift removal and disposal.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, and other administrative officials.
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