Maharashtra Aims To Be Drug-Free By 2029

Maharashtra has set a target to completely eliminate the menace of narcotic drugs from the state by 2029. The state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a comprehensive policy based on a “whole-of-government approach” to strengthen the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The policy envisages a two-pronged strategy of extensive public awareness and stringent enforcement against the production, transportation, sale, and consumption of narcotic substances. Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to implement such a comprehensive campaign involving multiple departments from the village level to the state Secretariat.

The government has formulated the policy in line with the Centre’s objective of making the country free of narcotic drugs by 2029 through coordinated action by various Central and state government agencies. Maharashtra will coordinate its efforts with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), with each government department required to appoint an officer of Deputy Secretary rank as its nodal officer at the Mantralaya level.

A detailed action plan has been prepared for various departments. From the academic year 2027, schools will include at least one lesson on drug awareness from Class V onwards. Additional marks will also be awarded to schools undertaking anti-drug awareness activities under the third phase of the 'Chief Minister’s Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala' initiative.

The Higher and Technical Education Department will work towards ensuring that all educational institutions maintain drug-free campuses. Anti-drug initiatives will also be incorporated into the Chief Minister’s Samruddha Panchayatraj Abhiyan and Majha Gaon, Arogya Sampanna Gaon campaigns, with additional marks being awarded for effective implementation.

The state will also announce an annual award on June 26 for the best-performing “Drug-Free District”. The performance of districts will be assessed based on their work between October 2 and April 30 every year. The policy rests on four key pillars — effective enforcement of narcotics control, significant reduction in the supply of drugs, reduction in demand, and de-addiction, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The Home, Transport, Ports, and Law and Judiciary departments will be responsible for strengthening enforcement. The Revenue, Agriculture, and Forest departments will take measures to prevent cultivation and activities contributing to the supply of illegal narcotics. The Food and Drug Administration and Industries departments will act against the illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs.

To reduce demand, responsibilities have been assigned to the School Education, Higher and Technical Education, and Women and Child Development departments. The policy aims to make Maharashtra a model state in the country’s fight against narcotic drugs.

The implementation of this policy is significant for Maharashtra, as it will help to reduce the menace of narcotic drugs and create a safer environment for its citizens. The state’s efforts to eliminate narcotic drugs by 2029 are ambitious, but with a comprehensive policy in place, it is possible to achieve this goal.

In conclusion, Maharashtra’s target to be drug-free by 2029 is a significant step towards creating a safer and healthier environment for its citizens. The state’s comprehensive policy and coordinated efforts with various government agencies will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.