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 was nothing but a mockery.
Schools had been told to take “immediate and appropriate action” to “ensure the implementation of the 500 metre drug-free zone norm.
State Congress chief Girish Chodankar also criticised the circular. “Protecting our children from drugs is non-negotiable. But the government must answer a simple question: Why only 500 metres? What happens at 501 metres?,” he asked, as quoted by HT.
The leader rebuked the government and asked it to draw a 500 metre circle around the problem. “Destroy the drug network across Goa. Our children deserve protection not just within 500 metres of their schools, but everywhere: in their neighbourhoods, playgrounds, colleges, villages and cities,” he added as per the HT report.
Another Congress leader called it a loy by the government to push their own responsibilities onto the heads of schools.
AAP lawmaker Venzy Viegas said the entire state needed to be declared a drug-free zone.