PANAJI
The Goa government on Friday made it clear that its directive declaring a 500-metre radius around every school a “drug-free zone” does not mean drugs can be sold outside the designated area, warning that any suspected drug activity will invite police action, regardless of where it takes place.
Clarifying the Directorate of Education’s circular, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the measure was primarily aimed at creating awareness among students and strengthening vigilance around educational institutions. He stressed that it should not be interpreted as allowing drug sales beyond the 500-metre limit.
“The Education Department’s circular is for creating awareness. It does not mean that drugs can be sold beyond the 500-metre radius of the school. The Goa government is committed to a drug-free State and action will be taken against any such unlawful activity,” he told reporters.
The CM further clarified that the circular was issued in accordance with an all-India directive of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, following concerns over drug networks using students.
“About the circular, it is an all-India circular issued by the NCB, based on which we have issued the circular. People should not misunderstand or be misled by it or create any unnecessary confusion,” he added.
Sawant said even suspected drug-related activity would be dealt with seriously. “Even a small suspicion within or outside the 500-metre radius will be dealt with strictly and the accused will be arrested,” he said.
Director of Education Shailesh Zingade said the new directive was similar to an earlier Education Department circular under which a 200-metre area around schools was designated as a tobacco-free zone. “We had earlier issued a circular about 200 metres from the school as a tobacco-free zone. This is a similar circular wherein we have ensured that 500 metres from the school is drug-free,” he said.
Zingade explained that the directive followed findings of the Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD), which indicated that drug traffickers were using students to peddle narcotics. “As per NCORD findings, drug traffickers are using students to peddle drugs, hence, it issued a pan-India order. We then issued the drug-free zone circular mainly to create awareness,” he said.
The Education Department, he clarified, would not be responsible for policing the designated zone. Schools have instead been asked to remain vigilant and promptly alert the police if they come across suspected drug-related activity. “The department will maintain records of information received from schools and coordinate with the authorities. We are also stepping up awareness programmes. The demarcation of 500 metres will begin and awareness boards will also be put up,” Zingade said.
