‘What about 501st m’: Goa 500 m drug-free school zone directive sparks criticism

Goa circular for ‘drug-free zones’ near schools comes under Opposition fire: ‘Failure to protect state’s future’

The Opposition parties criticised the circular, saying the government's responsibility cannot end at the school gate or at an "imaginary 500 metre radius".

School drug-free zone circular aims to boost vigil, awareness: CM

Goa CM Pramod Sawant says 500m drug-free zone circular aims to alert school management; police will act on peddlers beyond 500m too.

‘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

‘Why only 500m drug-free zones around schools’

Panaji: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar has questioned the government’s decision to focus on a 500-metre radius around schools as a measure to protect children from drugs, saying that drug protection cannot stop at an arbitrary boundary. “Protecting our children from drugs is non-negotiable. But the government must answer a simple question—why […]

Schools To Report Drug Activity, Not Take Action: Education Director - Goemkarponn

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Education Director Shailesh Zingde has clarified that schools will not be responsible for taking enforcement action against drug-related activities under the government’s 500-metre drug-free zone circular. Zingde said the initiative is on similar lines to the existing 200-metre tobacco-free zone around educational institutions, which is implemented across the country. Clarifying the responsibilities of schools, he said h…

Why Has Goa Edu Dept’s ‘Drug-Free Zone’ Around Schools Circular Triggered Controversy

Panaji: A circular issued by the Goa education department regarding creation of drug-free zones around schools has sparked controversy. According to reports, the circular asks schools to maintain a “drug-free zone” within a 500 metre radius around their campuses. This has drawn sharp reactions from the opposition that sarcastically asked whether drugs would be available and legal at the 501st metre. The Aam Admi Party alleged that the circular w…