Himachal Pradesh government's Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme (ACVS) is set to bring more than 1,000 community volunteers into the state's fight against chitta. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the plan during the Independence Day celebrations at Sarkaghat in Mandi district, and the Police Headquarters has moved a detailed proposal to the government for its rollout.
Under the scheme, trained volunteers act as a bridge between the public and the police. They spread awareness about the harmful effects of chitta and other narcotics, pass confidential information about suspicious activities and hotspots, and link people affected by drugs with counseling and rehabilitation centers. In return, volunteers receive honorarium for their service.

Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme is part of the HP government's bigger plan to protect the youth from drug abuse. Along with the volunteer scheme, the government announced the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board for prevention and rehabilitation, and anti-drug committees at village and panchayat level. These committees include the panchayat secretary, ASHA worker, Anganwadi worker and a police constable, and they send regular reports to police headquarters.
Himachal Pradesh has also stepped up the broader anti-drug campaign in 2026. The second phase of the Anti-Chitta awareness campaign ran in government schools and colleges from 1 June to 20 August, and a rehabilitation center at Mashobra in Shimla district became functional in May 2026. So far, around 12,000 individuals have been identified for surveillance, and special police and CID teams have been deployed in 234 sensitive panchayats.
Also read: Old Pension Scheme in Himachal Pradesh
For more state schemes, check the Himachal Pradesh government schemes list.
How to Apply and Join Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme
There is no separate online registration portal for the scheme as of August 2026. Enrollment is done offline through the district police and through schools, colleges and youth organizations. Follow the steps below to join.
STEP 1 - Visit the office of the Superintendent of Police in your district or go to the nearest police station and ask for the nodal officer of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme. The district police units are running the enrollment.
STEP 2 - If you are a student, register through your college. NSS programme officers, NCC unit officers and college principals can enroll students and cadets, and a group enrollment through the institution is usually faster.
STEP 3 - Submit identity and residence proof for police verification. Aadhaar card or another photo ID, proof of residence in the district, and an institution ID card for students are the main documents required.
STEP 4 - Attend the two-day training program conducted by the police. It covers the basics of the NDPS Act, police procedures, and methods of community engagement.
STEP 5 - After training, start the volunteer work in your area. Take part in awareness drives, school and college sessions, and use the confidential channel given by the police for any information you come across. The complete proposal and scheme details were shared by the state government in the official press release of Himachal Pradesh government.
The government has confirmed that volunteers will get honorarium for their service, but the exact rate has not been published yet. Ask the nodal officer about the sanctioned amount and payment method before you enroll.
Who Can Join Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme?
The scheme is open to students, cadets and ordinary residents of Himachal Pradesh who are willing to attend training and do community outreach. The state has named these groups for enrollment:
- College and university students in Himachal Pradesh.
- NCC cadets and NSS volunteers in schools, colleges and universities.
- Members of youth clubs and registered community organizations.
- Residents of the state who want to help in the anti-drug campaign.
Volunteers are enrolled by the district police for work in their own area, so residency in the district is required. People with an adverse police record in narcotics or serious criminal cases may not pass the police verification.
Training and Safety of Volunteers
Every volunteer goes through a two-day structured training program. The training covers the basics of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, police procedures, and ways to run awareness sessions in schools, colleges and panchayats.
For safety, volunteers will not be engaged in field identification of offenders. The police will keep the identity of volunteers strictly confidential and provide protection in sensitive cases. Enforcement, raids and arrests stay fully with the police.
Highlights of Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme (ACVS) |
| Announced By | Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu |
| Occasion | Independence Day celebrations at Sarkaghat, Mandi |
| Purpose | To stop the spread of chitta and involve the public in anti-drug action |
| Number of Volunteers | More than 1,000 across the state |
| Role of Volunteers | Awareness drives, gathering intelligence, giving confidential information to police |
| Incentives | Honorarium for enrolled volunteers, rate not published yet |
| Training | Two-day program on NDPS Act, police procedures and community engagement |
| Application Mode | Offline through district police and educational institutions |
FAQ's
What is Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme?
It is a Himachal Pradesh government scheme where more than 1,000 community volunteers will help the police and the public in controlling chitta. Volunteers spread awareness, share intelligence, and support rehabilitation.
Who announced the scheme?
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced it during the Independence Day celebrations at Sarkaghat in Mandi district.
What will volunteers do?
They will spread awareness in schools, colleges and communities, gather intelligence, share confidential information with police, and link affected families with counseling and rehabilitation centers.
Will volunteers get any payment?
Yes, registered volunteers will get honorarium for their service. The exact rate is not published yet, so confirm it with the district police.
Will volunteers catch drug peddlers?
No. Volunteers will not be sent for field identification. All enforcement action stays with the police.
Is there an online application for the scheme?
No. As of August 2026 there is no separate online portal for enrollment. Registration is done through the district police or through the NSS and NCC units of colleges.
