Punjab exempts ex-servicemen, senior citizens from dope tests

Chandigarh : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has exempted ex-servicemen and senior citizens from the mandatory dope test for issuance and renewal of arms licences.

"The Chief Minister has taken the decision in response to a request from ex-servicemen and senior citizens organisations," an official spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Many such persons were in possession of arms licences for decades.

"The Chief Minister agreed that they were fit cases for exemption, considering their track records and age," the spokesperson added.

The decision comes about six months after the state decided to make it mandatory for all applicants to undergo compulsory dope test to qualify for weapon licences.