It is a big change in how we do things here. Before you can join up with the state, a mandatory test is now in order. An official statement puts it down as a wider move against narcotics, all under the watch of the CM after he put in some review time on the matter.
Sukhu made his point at a sit-down with the secretaries: we have to shield our youth from this kind of thing. He has told the various departments to make sure the screening is done before any new hand is brought on board.
What it means for those entering HP service
Consider it a condition of entry. You should be in the mood for a test when you come for your final onboarding. The departments will let you know the ins and outs of it, so they can be sure of where you stand on substances.
If you are looking for an appointment on compassionate grounds, the CM has asked for all your information to be in order. We want to put some speed and clarity into the process for families who have been waiting on us.
So, what to look out for:
– No getting around the pre-joining test
– Instructions will come from your department
– Keep an eye on the dates in the notifications
– Have your papers ready for compassionate cases
Why the hard line? A look at the staff side
This isn’t coming out of nowhere. We have been putting the boot to employees with ties to the drug trade. Back on May 11, 123 of them were put on notice.
Thirty-one are already out, 21 of them from the police. The government has been very clear: we are making a stand against the drug mafia and anyone moving chitta or other adulterated products.
It is a zero-tolerance policy. The message is that we will be just as thorough with new hires as we are with the ones we have. The test is there to keep the public service in good standing.
Some housekeeping on hiring and benefits
We are also in the middle of some faster recruitment. The CM has called for numbers on open posts so we don’t have to tarry with appointments.
To that end, 500 Junior Office Assistant (IT) positions are to be filled. It is a way to build up our capacity while we put these new rules in place.
And for the folks on the other end, we have been told to see to it that Class-IV pensioners get their gratuity and leave dues without further ado, as per the budget. Time to clear the books and give them the service they are due.
On the matter of pending cases
We have asked for a full accounting of anyone applying for a job on compassionate terms. Having the facts in one place lets us make the right call and give some certainty to the families involved.
A word on the forests
On a different note, I have asked for a head count on the trees that were lost in the storms. Come June 1st, we are starting a drive to put right what was damaged on forest land.
Letting that sit is a waste of the State’s resources. I have told the forest officers to be about it and see to the disposal in a timely fashion.
For the would-be employee, it is simple enough. There is a new step to take before you start, so be on top of it. We are raising the standard in Himachal Pradesh, and we mean to see it through.
