Mumbai, Aug 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials on Wednesday that instead of taking measures after the younger generation falls prey to addiction, tendencies that push youth into the abyss of drugs must be curbed.
He said youth should be empathised with and prevented from entering this vicious cycle while speaking at a meeting to discuss the Drug‑Free Maharashtra Policy.
The Chief Minister said the government machinery's administrative approach will play a pivotal role. He said that if all concerned departments realise their responsibility and play an effective role, a drug‑free Maharashtra can certainly be achieved in the coming times.
Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar and Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam were present at the meeting.
Directing the establishment of de‑addiction centres in every government hospital to help addicted youth break free, CM Fadnavis said such centres should be made operational in all government medical colleges under the Medical Education Department.
He added that de‑addiction centres operating through the Central Government in the state should be strengthened, with necessary fund allocations provided. A specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) should be developed to ensure effective implementation of recovery programmes through these centres.
To prevent recovered youth from relapsing, factors causing addiction must be controlled alongside expanding the network of de‑addiction centres.
CM Fadnavis stated that the surroundings of every school and college must be free of roadside stalls. He emphasised that no compromise should be made in this regard. The premises of all educational institutions must be declared drug‑free zones. Principals and headteachers of respective educational establishments must take necessary action to declare their campuses drug‑free formally.
He said the process of integrating curriculum based on the harmful effects of narcotics into school education should be completed. Fast‑track courts should be set up for speedy disposal of cases by effectively using laws like the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act in drug‑related offences.
Additionally, a panel of special public prosecutors should be created on the lines of the Central Government, with provisions allowing the state government to appoint this panel under its authority.
To realise the dream of a drug‑free Maharashtra, an inclusive and comprehensive perspective from the entire government machinery is essential. Maintaining a positive approach, the entire ecosystem linked to illegal drugs must be controlled. Effective messaging and communication systems should be developed by studying global best practices for public awareness. Youth who accidentally fall into the vicious cycle of drugs must not be treated with a criminal mindset; instead, they should be given a positive life experience through de‑addiction centres, noted the CM.
He also warned of strict action if anyone is found producing natural narcotics.
The role of district‑level committees in anti‑narcotic operations is crucial. The work of these committees should be evaluated, and a district ranking system should be developed based on their performance.
The Chief Minister also directed the establishment of a state‑level NCORD (Narcotics Coordination Mechanism) apex committee under his chairmanship.
In 2023, 43,632 kilograms of narcotics worth Rs 897 crore were seized under the NDPS Act. In 2025, seizure actions registered a 29 pc increase compared to 2023, with 56,206 kilograms of narcotics seized, valued at Rs 1,340 crore. In terms of value, this marks a 49 pc increase, said the government release.
Source: IANS
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