Dope test mandatory for all government employees including police personnel in Punjab

Chandigarh, July 5: Further tightening the noose around drug abuse, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday ordered a mandatory dope test of all government employees, including police personnel from the time of their recruitment through every stage of their service. 

In accordance with the decision, CM Amarinder Singh further directed the Chief Secretary to work out the modalities and issue a notification as soon as possible. The official spokesperson said, “CM Amarinder Singh ordered drug screening to be mandatorily done in all cases of recruitment and promotions, as well as the annual medical examination that certain employees are required to undergo in accordance with the nature of their duties.”

The spokesperson further said, “Dope test would be made mandatory for all recruitments as well as promotions to be made by various Punjab government departments.” “Further, the dope test would also be made a mandatory part of the Annual Medical examination of all civilian/police employees of the Punjab government, wherever prescribed,” he added.

The move comes a day after Punjab Police busted a gang of heroin smugglers and arrested four persons, including an ex-Army man. Also, police have seized from the suspects 14.8 kgs of heroin, valuing approximately Rs. 74 crores in the international market, along with one.30 bore Pistol. Earlier, CM had already issued a strict warning to drug smugglers and peddlers to give up their nefarious activities or face stringent action.