Maharashtra Cabinet Clears Policy to Eradicate Narcotic Drugs by 2029
The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved a comprehensive “Whole-of-Government Approach” policy aimed at eradicating narcotic drugs from the state by 2029 as part of the nationwide ‘Drug-Free India Campaign’.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, focused on establishing rigorous enforcement alongside public awareness initiatives. Under the approved framework, administrative responsibilities will be designated across multiple tiers, spanning village, district, divisional, and Mantralaya levels to execute anti-drug measures.
As part of the educational strategy, at least one lesson dedicated to drug awareness will be added to the school curriculum for Class V and above starting in the 2027 academic year. Schools will also be eligible for additional marks for organizing drug-awareness activities under the Chief Minister’s My School, Beautiful School – Phase 3 programme.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, the state will roll out a broad public awareness drive. All participating government departments are required to coordinate directly with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. To ensure seamless execution, each department at the Mantralaya level will appoint an officer of Deputy Secretary rank as a designated nodal officer.
To incentivize local administration, the Higher and Technical Education Department will present an annual award on June 26 to the best-performing district in achieving drug-free status. District performance will be assessed over a tracking period running from October 2 to April 30.
The policy outlines four core pillars: the effective enforcement of drug-control regulations, a sharp reduction in supply, a reduction in demand, and accessible de-addiction, treatment, and rehabilitation services. The Revenue, Agriculture, and Forest Departments have been assigned the responsibility of curbing narcotic supplies.
For synthetic narcotic substances manufactured illegally, enforcement mandates have been given to the Food and Drug Administration alongside the Industries Department. The policy authorizes targeted action against the cultivation of crops used for illegal drug production, as well as the unauthorized manufacture, transport, sale, and consumption of both natural and synthetic substances.
