Amarinder Singh orders mandatory dope test for government employees

A day after recommending death penalty to drug peddlers, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday ordered a mandatory annual dope test for all the government employees, including police personnel.

Soon, the matter will be taken up before the Cabinet and the CM has directed the Chief Secretary to work out the modalities and issue necessary notification regarding the dope test order, an official spokesperson said in Chandigarh.

According to the CM’s order, drug screening will be mandatory in all cases of recruitment, promotions, as well as the annual medical examination.

“Dope test would be made mandatory for all recruitments as well as promotions to be made by various Punjab government departments,” the spokesperson said.

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Upping the ante against the drug menace in Punjab, Amarinder Singh government will further make the dope test a mandatory part of the Annual Medical examination of all civilian and police employees of the state government.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister formally communicated his Cabinet’s recommendation to the Centre, seeking an amendment to the NDPS Act to provide for the death penalty for first-time offenders too.

Singh has already issued a strict warning to drug smugglers and peddlers to give up their nefarious activities or face stringent action.

(With PTI inputs)