‘What about 501st m’: Goa 500 m drug-free school zone directive sparks criticism
State Congress chief Girish Chodankar asked the government not to draw a 500 metre circle around the problem of drug abuse among students
A Goan education department directive mandating schools to establish a "drug-free zone" within a 500-meter radius of their campuses has triggered controversy. The opposition Congress party questioned the logic of the 500-meter boundary, wondering where the drug-free area would extend beyond that point. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) deemed the circular a mockery and demanded the entire state be declared drug-free.
State Congress chief Girish Chodankar voiced concerns about the circular's boundary, asking why the government stopped at 500 meters and what measures would be taken in the 501st meter. Other opposition leaders echoed the sentiment, questioning the scope of responsibility for school authorities beyond the campus perimeter. Critics accused the government of shifting its own responsibility onto school heads.
The state education director was not available for comment. Gerard de Souza, a Goan journalist, reported on the controversy.
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