{
  "id": 4079195,
  "title": "Goa circular for ‘drug-free zones’ near schools comes under Opposition fire: ‘Failure to protect state’s future’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/goa-circular-for-drug-free-zones-near-schools-comes-under-opposition-4079195",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T01:20:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/goa-circular-for-drug-free-zones-near-schools-comes-under-opposition-fire-failure-to-protect-states-future-10853899/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A circular issued by the Goa government's Directorate of Education has sparked criticism from the Opposition over its attempt to create \"drug-free zones\" near schools. The directive, issued in response to a nationwide initiative to curb drug abuse among students, requires schools within 500 meters of a campus to maintain a drug-free environment.\n\nThe Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and Government of India recommended the implementation of the 500-meter drug-free zone around educational institutions. School heads are instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive, taking immediate action to maintain the specified area as a drug-free zone.\n\nHowever, Opposition parties have slammed the circular, arguing that the government's responsibility to protect children from drugs extends beyond the school premises and the 500-meter radius. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar questioned the government's approach, asking why the focus is only on a 500-meter area and what happens beyond that. He emphasized the need for Goa to become a drug-free state instead of relying on selective drug-free zones.\n\nCongress leader and former GPCC President Amit Patkar expressed concern about the effectiveness of the directive, stating that it indicates a failure to protect the state's future. He questioned the depth of the drug menace within schools and the entities responsible for allowing drugs to reach children.\n\nThe Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also criticized the circular, demanding a drug-free Goa rather than just a 500-meter drug-free zone around campuses. AAP legislator Venzy Viegas questioned the practicality of the directive, asking whether the education department issues circulars without a clear understanding of its implications.\n\nGoa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant defended the circular, stating that it is based on NCB's guidelines and recommendations. He emphasized that the anti-narcotics cell is vigilant against drug-related activities near school campuses. However, the Opposition persists in their criticism, demanding a comprehensive solution to tackle the drug problem in Goa.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - India",
        "title": "Goa circular for ‘drug-free zones’ near schools comes under Opposition fire: ‘Failure to protect state’s future’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/goa-circular-for-drug-free-zones-near-schools-comes-under-opposition",
        "published": "2026-08-29T01:20:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}