Goa's 500-Metre Drug-Free Zone Circular Draws Opposition Fire
Goa's education department directive for 500-metre drug-free zones near schools faces criticism from opposition parties, who demand a state-wide approach.
The Goa government's directorate of education has issued a circular directing all schools to ensure that the area within a 500-metre radius of their premises is maintained as a 'drug-free zone'. The directive, issued on Thursday, follows a recommendation from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs as part of a nationwide initiative to curb drug abuse among students.
The circular instructs heads of government, aided, unaided, secondary, higher secondary, and special schools to take immediate action to implement the recommendation. It states that school heads must ensure strict compliance with the directive, which is effective immediately.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the government is shifting its responsibility onto schools. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar questioned the logic of the 500-metre limit, asking what happens at 501 metres. He asserted that Goa needs to be a drug-free state, not just selective zones, and accused the BJP government of failing to address the state's drug network.
Congress leader Amit Patkar described the circular as an indication of a failure to protect Goa's future, questioning how deep the drug menace has penetrated schools and who allowed it to reach children. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Venzy Viegas also condemned the circular, demanding a drug-free Goa rather than a limited zone around campuses.
In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant defended the circular, stating it is based on NCB guidelines and aimed at monitoring suspicious activities near school campuses. He noted that the anti-narcotics cell is maintaining vigilance and urged people not to create unnecessary confusion.