Shimla, June 15 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday called upon newly elected Panchayat representatives to play a proactive role in rural development and lead the fight against drug abuse, particularly the menace of heroin ("chitta"), while addressing a swearing-in ceremony of Panchayat Pradhans and Up-Pradhans in Shimla.

The oath-taking ceremony for newly elected Panchayat representatives from Shimla district was held at Hotel Peterhoff, where Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur administered the oath of office and secrecy to Pradhans and Up-Pradhans from 441 Panchayats.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhu congratulated the newly elected representatives and expressed hope that thei...