Under the GST (Goods and Services Tax), HP (Himachal Pradesh) proposes to establish a unique e-way bill system for monitoring the transportation of narcotic substances.

Under the GST (Goods and Services Tax), HP (Himachal Pradesh) proposes to establish a unique e-way bill system for monitoring the transportation of narcotic substances.

Himachal Pradesh Government Takes Steps to Combat Drug Abuse and Enhance Drug Control Measures

In a bold move to address the growing issue of drug abuse and prevent the diversion of narcotic substances, the Himachal Pradesh Government has taken several steps to tighten control over these substances.

The government's objective is clear: to curb drug abuse and enhance real-time tracking of narcotic and psychotropic substances by implementing a dedicated e-way bill mechanism under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. This move is expected to significantly improve traceability and regulatory oversight at every stage of the supply chain.

At the heart of this initiative is a committee chaired by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). This committee, which includes officers from the Excise Department, Police, and Drug Control Authority, is tasked with ensuring compliance with regulatory norms and preventing the misuse of narcotic substances.

In addition, the Department of State Taxes and Excise has imposed quantity restrictions on the handling of narcotic drugs by license holders, aiming to minimize the risk of excess stock being diverted for illegal use.

The government's efforts extend beyond these measures as they are also revising the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Rules, 1989, and updating the Integrated Drug Prevention Policy. These updates are aimed at strengthening the overall legal and administrative framework for drug control within the state.

Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated the government's commitment, stating, "My government will act decisively and without compromise. Together, with the support of the people of the state, we will build a Himachal free from the grip of drugs." He further added, "This fight is not just about laws, rules and regulations, it is about saving lives and protecting our future generations."

The Himachal Pradesh Government's approach represents a multi-layered strategy that combines technology-driven tracking, regulatory tightening, and enforcement coordination to combat narcotic substance misuse under the GST framework. The introduction of a dedicated e-way bill for narcotic substances under GST is expected to contribute to the containment of drug abuse in the state, thereby protecting the future generations of Himachal Pradesh.

1. The Himachal Pradesh Government, with a focus not only on drug control but also on health-and-wellness and mental-health, is revising the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Rules, 1989, and updating the Integrated Drug Prevention Policy to strengthen the legal and administrative framework.
2. Recognizing the importance of science in combating drug abuse, the government's multi-layered strategy includes the implementation of a dedicated e-way bill mechanism under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, which aims to significantly improve traceability and regulatory oversight.
3. In line with the policy of prioritizing mental health, the Himachal Pradesh Government's efforts are not limited to curbing drug abuse; they also include a holistic approach that is both preventative and supportive, as demonstrated by their commitment to building a Himachal free from the grip of drugs, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all its citizens.

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