Panaji, 27 August: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar has questioned the State Government’s decision to create a 500-metre “Drug-Free Zone” around schools, arguing that the fight against narcotics must extend across Goa rather than be restricted to areas surrounding educational institutions.

“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?” Chodankar asked.

Reacting to the Directorate of Education’s directive concerning drug-free zones around schools, Chodankar said the Government’s responsibility to protect children could not end at the school gate or at an “imaginary 500-metre circle”.

“Goa does not need selective Drug-Free Zones. Goa needs to become a drug-free State,” he said, demanding that the BJP Government focus on dismantling the drug supply network operating across Goa.

Chodankar alleged that instead of tackling the source and supply chain of narcotics, the Government appeared to be shifting part of the responsibility onto educational institutions.

“Don’t 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 said.

He called for action to identify and dismantle the entire drug supply network and demanded accountability over those involved in the illegal trade as well as anyone allegedly providing protection to them.

Former GPCC President Amit Patkar also raised questions over the Directorate of Education’s decision, saying the very need to issue such a directive should prompt the Government to examine the extent of the drug menace and the risk it poses to young people.

Patkar asked how deeply the drug menace had penetrated areas around educational institutions and alleged that the situation reflected a failure to adequately protect Goa’s youth.

He announced that Congress would launch a statewide drive against drugs, involving parents, students, teachers and citizens. According to Patkar, the campaign would seek to highlight the drug network, demand accountability and press for decisive action against drug peddlers and those allegedly protecting them.

“The BJP Government cannot protect Goa’s children with circulars alone. No child should lose their future because this Government failed to protect it,” Patkar said.

Both Congress leaders maintained that while special protection around schools was important, Goa required a comprehensive statewide strategy against narcotics, with stronger enforcement against supply networks and greater accountability from the authorities.