Maharashtra approves policy to eradicate drugs by 2029

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a comprehensive policy to eradicate drugs from the state by 2029. Utilizing a ‘Whole-of-Government Approach’, the initiative involves 20 different departments to address the production, trafficking, and consumption of both natural and synthetic narcotics.

The strategy is built upon four primary pillars: effective enforcement, drastic reduction in drug supply, demand reduction through awareness, and de-addiction, treatment, and rehabilitation. To support these goals, the government plans to establish de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities at the taluka, district, and municipal levels, alongside a Centre of Excellence for de-addiction.

Educational initiatives will include introducing drug-awareness lessons into the school curriculum starting from Class V in the 2027-28 academic year. Additionally, the government aims to establish drug-free zones within a 500-metre radius of educational institutions and encourage universities to develop drug-free campuses. A district-level anti-drug campaign is scheduled to run from October 2, 2026, to May 2027.