Govt employees who test positive for drugs will be treated, not sacked: Punjab CM

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday clarified that government employees found positive in dope tests will not be punished or sacked but will be provided treatment and their identity will be kept confidential.

"Government employees who test positive in the dope test would not be punished or sacked but would be provided treatment, with their identities being kept confidential," Captain Amarinder Singh said in a statement.

Facing criticism for ordering dope test on all government servants, the chief minister also said the government will pay for the treatment of drug addicts who cannot afford it.

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Chairing a review meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee set up to monitor the progress of the government's anti-drug campaign, Singh directed the chief secretary to formulate guidelines and standard operating procedures (SoPs) for conducting dope test on employees, including police personnel.

Amarinder also ordered various steps to be taken for further augmenting the government's efforts to ensure strict enforcement of the drug laws, as well as better systems for prevention, de-addiction and rehabilitation, according to an official spokesman.

(With inputs from Agencies)