"I don't agree with such statements that LoP should go with government leadership to seek assistance from the central government" said Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla (File Photo)
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Thursday said that he doesn’t agree with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu that Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur should go along with the CM to get aid from the central government in Delhi.
“Then why did CM Sukhu not take LoP with him when he went to meet senior Union ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, in Delhi last week?” Shukla said while interacting with the media. “I don’t agree with such statements that LoP should go with government leadership to seek assistance from the central government. Central government always gives financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh and other states whenever need arises. There are ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister, PWD and Urban Development Minister and others who said that whenever required, they bring assistance from the Centre. Then what is the point in saying that the Centre is not giving assistance to Himachal Pradesh?”
On the prevailing drug issue in the state, Shukla said, “The kind of response which is expected from the state government and its representatives, especially MLAs, against the drug menace is lacking on the ground. The anti-drug campaigns, which are being witnessed on the ground, are the results of efforts of people, gram panchayats and a push from the Governor House on the ground.”
He also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of government rehabilitation centres. “There is only one Red Cross-run drug rehabilitation centre in Kullu. We have been hearing about identification of land for setting up one in Sirmaur but nothing is moving on the ground. This shows the seriousness of the government,” he said. “The state government should have moved forward to open rehab centres. For a long time, they have been saying that land has been identified and funds have been allocated, but nothing concrete has been done. If this situation continues, Himachal could turn into ‘Udta Himachal,’ and our generations will suffer.”
“The Government of India has decided to include the efforts being made in Himachal Pradesh against drug abuse in its national programmes. This is both the inspiration of the Prime Minister and my own resolve to make Himachal drug-free.”
The Governor said that Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had announced that these initiatives would be adopted nationwide. “A proposal called ‘Kashi Sankalp’ has been passed, which will now go across the country, and I am pleased that the programmes initiated by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh are part of this,” Shukla noted. “Awareness is rising. Parents who earlier ignored their children’s drug use are now proactive. Panchayats are informing police about suppliers, and the number of NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases has increased significantly.”
According to official data, NDPS cases in the state have increased from 500 in 2012 to over 2,200 in 2023.
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Citing a survey of 1,150 inmates, Shukla said that drug abuse is highest among individuals aged 15–30. “Awareness is the key to reducing demand. If Punjab’s government is taking steps, Himachal must act seriously,” he said.
The Governor urged all political leaders to unite against drug abuse. “I have written to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, and other ministers, requesting them to raise awareness and take action at all levels,” he said.
To take up matter of rave parties with DGP
Shukla said that he will take up the matter of rave parties in Kullu-Manali with Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari. He said this was recently brought to his notice. Many NGOs and green activists filed a PIL in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, seeking a crackdown on the rave parties, especially held in the dense forest areas of Kullu district.
CID personnel caught during media interaction
Unpleasant moments were witnessed when a personnel of local Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was found sitting among media persons when Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla was interacting with the media at Raj Bhavan. The security staff of the Raj Bhavan called him outside the hall where the interaction was going on and reprimanded him.
Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting.
Professional Background
Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters.
Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India.
Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh:
1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth.
2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025).
3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025)
4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025)
Legal & Agricultural Affairs
"Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned.
"Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
3. Governance & Environment
"Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act.
"Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters.
Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc:
crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023)
Signature Beats
Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs.
X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar
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