Shimla, Aug. 13 -- Considering the increasing number of female drug addicts, Himachal Pradesh government is mulling on building a separate de-addiction centre for women in the state, said health and family welfare minister Dr (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil on Tuesday. "Our government is considering constructing a separate de-addiction centre for women in the state as the number of females addicted to drugs is increasing every day in the state," said Shandil. Speaking at the launch of the trailer of "The White Truth" web series against drug abuse under the Yuva Bachao Abhiyan by Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti here, Shandil also said that the government is exploring options to establish a government-run de-addiction centre in Shimla. This series, having 7 episodes, is centered around people fallen prey to drug menace. The aim of the series is to spread awareness. At present the state has only five de-addiction centres - in Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Una districts, as per the information shared by the Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment BL Verma in the Rajya Sabha on July 30 in response to a query by BJP MP from Himachal Harsh Mahajan. On the issue of drugs being supplied in private drug de-addiction centres, Shandil said, "Strict action will be taken against such centres." "The drug addicts undergoing treatment at Indira Gandhi Medical College and hospital in Shimla will not be kept with mental patients. Our government is going to take steps in this direction. State government has implemented strict rules to stop the drug consignment in the state. Speaking on the occasion, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated the state's commitment to make Himachal a drug free state while urging youth to stay away from drugs and actively support efforts to make Himachal a drug-free State. "Today's youth are the future of the nation and the progress of Himachal is directly linked to their well-being," he said. Speaking on the recent statements of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Sukhu urged the Union government to respond to questions raised him, saying evading issues by distorting statements undermines democratic discourse. htc...