📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Fredericknoronha
Education
Goa orders 500‑metre drug‑free zones around schools, faces backlash
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 02:35 PM
👁 2
The Goa government has mandated a 500‑metre drug‑free perimeter around every school, a move that has attracted criticism from educators and civil‑society groups.
The state administration announced a directive that all schools in Goa must be surrounded by a 500‑metre drug‑free zone. The order, issued this week, requires local authorities to enforce a prohibition on the sale, consumption and possession of narcotics within the specified radius of any educational institution.
Educators and several civil‑society organisations have voiced concerns, arguing that the measure is impractical and could strain police resources. They contend that without clear guidelines on monitoring and penalties, the directive may have limited impact on curbing drug use among students.
The education department responded that the policy is intended to create a safer environment for children and will be complemented by awareness programmes in schools. Officials said they will coordinate with law‑enforcement agencies to ensure compliance while reviewing the implementation framework based on feedback.
Analysts note that Goa, a state with a vibrant tourism sector, has faced periodic drug‑related challenges, prompting authorities to adopt stricter preventive measures. The current debate reflects the tension between public‑health objectives and operational feasibility.
Educators and several civil‑society organisations have voiced concerns, arguing that the measure is impractical and could strain police resources. They contend that without clear guidelines on monitoring and penalties, the directive may have limited impact on curbing drug use among students.
The education department responded that the policy is intended to create a safer environment for children and will be complemented by awareness programmes in schools. Officials said they will coordinate with law‑enforcement agencies to ensure compliance while reviewing the implementation framework based on feedback.
Analysts note that Goa, a state with a vibrant tourism sector, has faced periodic drug‑related challenges, prompting authorities to adopt stricter preventive measures. The current debate reflects the tension between public‑health objectives and operational feasibility.