Maharashtra unveils multi-pronged strategy to eliminate drugs by 2029
Maharashtra cabinet approves a comprehensive policy to make the state drug-free by 2029, involving all government levels and school curriculum changes.
The Maharashtra cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a comprehensive policy aimed at eradicating narcotic drugs from the state by 2029. The initiative, named the 'Whole-of-Government Approach', is part of the broader 'Drug-Free India Campaign' and will involve coordinated action across all administrative levels.
The policy establishes a clear chain of responsibility, extending from village-level bodies up to district, divisional, and state secretariat (Mantralaya) offices. To ensure smooth implementation, every government department at the Mantralaya level will designate a nodal officer of Deputy Secretary rank to coordinate with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).
A key component of the plan is educational outreach. Starting from the 2027 academic year, a dedicated lesson on drug awareness will be introduced into the school curriculum for students from Class V onwards. Additionally, schools that actively participate in drug-awareness initiatives will receive extra credit under the Chief Minister's 'My School, Beautiful School – Phase 3' programme.
To incentivize performance, the Higher and Technical Education Department will present an annual award on June 26 to the district that demonstrates the most significant progress in achieving drug-free status. This performance will be evaluated based on activities carried out between October 2 and April 30.
The policy is structured around four core pillars: strict enforcement of drug-control laws, a sharp reduction in the supply of narcotics, a significant decrease in demand, and comprehensive de-addiction, treatment, and rehabilitation services. The Revenue, Agriculture, and Forest Departments will lead efforts to curb the supply of drugs, while the Food and Drug Administration and Industries Departments will be responsible for tackling illegally manufactured synthetic substances.
Furthermore, the policy empowers authorities to take action against the cultivation of crops used for illegal drug production, as well as the manufacturing, transportation, sale, and consumption of both natural and synthetic narcotics. A large-scale public awareness campaign will also be launched, requiring all government departments to work in tandem with the ANTF to spread the message.