Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed appointment letters to 1253 newly recruited constables during the 'Rozgar Sankalp Mela' held at the Police College, Daroh in Kangra district. Congratulating the recruits, the Chief Minister said that the newly recruited constables have a vital mission in the fight against drug abuse, in which the Himachal Pradesh Police has emerged as a strong and dependable force for the people of the state.
He said that the police recruitment process was conducted with complete transparency. Recalling the recruitment drives during the previous BJP regime, he noted that examination papers were leaked, which led to the cancellation of the process amid strong resentment among the youth. He added that to ensure fairness and transparency, the present government conducted the recruitment examination through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission instead of the Police Department.
He announced that the state government will recruit 800 more police constables within the next two months adding that this step would further strengthen the Himachal Pradesh Police and improve public service delivery. He added that the government remains committed to ensuring a capable and responsive police force across the state.
The Chief Minister said that the newly appointed constables were not just joining a job, but also taking on an important responsibility. He added that the Himachal Pradesh Police is among the most modern, fastest and most trusted police forces in the country.
Highlighting performance indicators, Sh. Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh Police ranks first in the country in terms of average response time under Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112). He further said that under Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), Himachal Pradesh has consistently held the top position among hill states.
Under the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO), Himachal Pradesh Police has continuously secured the fifth position nationwide. The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to improve the quality of police uniforms.
The Director General of Police has been directed to procure high-quality fabric from reputed companies and said that serious consideration was being given to increase the uniform grant for police constables. He announced that from this year onwards, all ex-servicemen in the police force will be granted the rank of Honorary Head Constable after 10 years of service and Honorary Assistant Sub-Inspector after 15 years of service.
He said that a decision had been taken to introduce the B-1 examination for promotion from constable to head constable. While an interim stay has been granted by the High Court in this matter, he asserted that the government would strongly present its case.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a determined campaign against the “Chitta” and prevailing drug mafia. He informed that in 2025, 2,149 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, which is nearly 25 percent higher than the previous year.
He added that the government has initiated a mass movement to make youth aware of the harmful effects of Chitta and that the Anti-Chitta awareness Walkathons organised by Police in different parts of the State, were proving to be key pillars of this campaign. He said that 12 police personnel involved in Chitta-related activities have been dismissed and strict action would also be taken against employees of other departments found involved in the drug racket.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister administered an oath against drug abuse. The Police Department also held demonstrations of various rescue techniques. Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari welcomed the Chief Minister and gave a detailed briefing on departmental activities.
Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar, MLAs Kishori Lal and Malender Rajan, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman Kangra Cooperative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Ram Chander Pathania, Vice Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion amongst others.