Himachal may introduce mandatory drug tests for students seeking School, Professional Course admissions
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May 11, 2026: In a major move against rising drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has indicated that the state government is preparing to introduce mandatory drug screening, popularly referred to as a “Chitta Test,” for students seeking admission to schools and professional courses.
The proposed initiative is aimed at protecting youth from drug addiction and ensuring educational institutions remain drug-free. According to sources, the government is considering implementing pre-admission drug screening for students entering professional streams such as medical, paramedical, engineering, nursing and other higher education courses.
Officials are also reportedly examining the possibility of conducting periodic drug tests for students in senior classes as part of a broader anti-drug campaign.
The move comes amid growing concern over the spread of “chitta” and synthetic drugs among young people in the state. Over the past few years, cases linked to narcotics abuse have steadily increased, especially among school and college students, prompting the government to explore stricter preventive measures.
Chief Minister Sukhu has repeatedly stated on public platforms that drug addiction is severely affecting the younger generation and that strong intervention is necessary to curb the menace.
Government officials believe that identifying drug use at an early stage within educational institutions could help authorities provide timely counselling, treatment and rehabilitation support to affected students.
The proposed policy is also being viewed as part of a larger reform agenda in the education sector. The Himachal Pradesh government has already announced measures such as restrictions on mobile phone use in schools, digital monitoring systems, modernised teaching methods and the establishment of Schools of Excellence.
Experts say that if the policy is formally implemented, Himachal Pradesh could become one of the few states in India to make drug screening a part of the admission process in educational institutions.
Several social organisations and parents’ groups working against drug abuse have welcomed the proposal, saying narcotics have now spread deep into rural areas of Himachal Pradesh and require urgent social and administrative action.
However, some education and mental health experts have also cautioned that such a policy must ensure student privacy, counselling support and rehabilitation mechanisms so that the process remains corrective rather than punitive.
Sources indicate that the Education Department, Health Department and Home Department may jointly prepare a detailed policy framework covering testing procedures, reporting systems, counselling and rehabilitation measures. The proposal is also expected to be discussed at the cabinet level in the coming months.