Shimla: Individuals accused of heroin trafficking will be disqualified from contesting local elections in Himachal Pradesh under a rigorous new legal amendment aimed at purging the “chitta” drug trade from the state’s political landscape.The state cabinet, led by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved the draft Panchayati Raj Amendment Act 2026 on Monday. The legislation, set for introduction during the current budget session, targets the upcoming Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections scheduled for May. Under the proposed amendment, any individual named in a first-information report (FIR) related to heroin peddling will be barred from running for office.State’s parliamentary affairs minister, Harshwardhan Chauhan. confirmed that the move was designed to prevent those involved in the illicit drug trade from gaining administrative influence at the village level. Once passed by the legislative assembly, the bill will be sent to the governor for final assent.Education and Healthcare ExpansionIn a significant shift for the state’s schooling system, the cabinet approved a separate cadre for 151 schools converted recently from the state board to CBSE affiliation. Other key approvals include the creation of new Biophysics departments at medical colleges in Hamirpur, Nerchowk, and the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, besides the relocation of Nahan Medical College to a site outside the congested city centre.Energy Security and GovernanceThe cabinet moved to insulate the state from liquid petroleum gas (LPG) shortages linked to ongoing US-Iran conflict. The govt will prioritise strengthening city gas distribution networks to transition households to pipeline-based supply. In a move to increase local democratic participation, the cabinet also revised the quorum for Gram Sabha (village council) meetings. The requirement has been lowered from one-fourth to one-tenth of the membership, ensuring meetings can proceed more efficiently while remaining open to all voters. MSID:: 129751818 413 |
