Shimla, June 15 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday administered an anti-drug pledge to newly elected Panchayat Pradhans and Up-Pradhans in Shimla, urging them to spearhead the state's campaign against heroin, locally known as "chitta", and transform their villages into drug-free communities.

The pledge was administered during a swearing-in ceremony attended by representatives from 441 Panchayats of Shimla district at Hotel Peterhoff. Education Minister Rohit Thakur formally administered the oath of office and secrecy to the elected representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said Panchayat representatives are uniquely positioned to mobilise communities against drug abuse and create awareness among y...