The Maharashtra government has taken a major step towards making the state drug-free by 2029, with the state Cabinet approving a comprehensive policy aimed at strengthening the fight against narcotics and creating widespread public awareness.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the ‘Comprehensive Government Approach’ policy, which brings all government departments together to tackle drug-related activities through coordinated enforcement and awareness initiatives.
The policy assigns responsibilities at various levels, from villages and districts to divisions and the state ministry, to ensure effective implementation. Maharashtra is the first state in the country to introduce such a comprehensive, multi-departmental campaign aimed at creating a drug-free state, according to the government.
Strict Action Against Drug Supply Chain
The Centre has set a target of making the country drug-free by 2029 through coordinated efforts involving various Central and state government departments under the ‘Drug-Free India Campaign’.
In line with this national objective, Maharashtra has formulated the ‘Comprehensive Government Approach’ policy to accelerate efforts to make the state drug-free.
The policy provides for strict action against the cultivation, production, transportation, sale and consumption of both natural and synthetic drugs. It also calls for large-scale public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of drug abuse.
Departments to Coordinate With ANTF
Under the policy, all government departments will work in coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).
For coordination at the ministry level, each department will appoint a nodal officer of Deputy Secretary rank. Detailed action plans have also been prepared for various departments to ensure accountability and coordinated implementation.
Drug Awareness to Be Introduced in Schools
The government has placed a special focus on creating awareness among school students. From the 2027 academic year, at least one lesson on drug awareness will be included in the school curriculum from Class 5 onwards.
Schools participating in the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala’ Phase 3 initiative will also receive additional marks for activities promoting anti-drug awareness.
Through coordinated enforcement, public awareness, education and inter-departmental action, the Maharashtra government aims to achieve its target of making the state completely drug-free by 2029.
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