19 August,2026 09:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday called for a coordinated government effort to prevent young people from falling into drug addiction, stressing the need to address the factors that push them towards substance abuse.
Fadnavis made the remarks during a meeting at his official residence, Varsha, to discuss the proposed Nasha-Mukt Maharashtra Policy.
He said the focus should be on preventing addiction rather than taking corrective measures only after young people become dependent on drugs.
He also emphasised the need to approach those struggling with addiction with empathy and help them return to a constructive life.
Fadnavis directed the government to establish de-addiction centres in every government hospital to support people struggling with substance abuse.
He said such centres should be made operational in all government medical colleges under the Medical Education Department. Existing de-addiction centres operating with Central Government support should also be strengthened, with funds provided wherever required.
The Chief Minister directed officials to formulate a standard operating procedure for the effective implementation of de-addiction programmes.
He also stressed that preventive measures must accompany the expansion of de-addiction facilities to ensure that those who overcome addiction do not relapse.
Fadnavis directed authorities to ensure that school and college campuses are completely free of drugs, tobacco stalls and unauthorised kiosks.
He said principals and headmasters should initiate the process of formally declaring their campuses drug-free.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to complete the process of incorporating lessons on the harmful effects of drugs and substance abuse into the school curriculum.
Fadnavis called for effective enforcement of laws, including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, in cases involving drug-related offences.
He directed authorities to establish fast-track courts for speedy disposal of such cases and constitute a panel of special public prosecutors, along the lines of the Central Government, to handle narcotics-related cases.
Fadnavis said young people who have inadvertently fallen into addiction should not be made to develop a mindset that they are criminals.
Instead, he said, de-addiction centres should provide them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives through positive and constructive interventions.
At the same time, he called for strict action against those involved in the production of narcotic substances and directed authorities to take immediate measures whenever signs of substance abuse are detected among young people.
The Chief Minister said district-level committees have a crucial role in combating narcotics and directed authorities to assess their performance.
He also called for a district-ranking system based on the performance of these committees and directed that a state-level NCORD Apex Committee be established under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
Officials were also asked to study successful international practices for creating awareness about drug abuse and develop an effective communication strategy for Maharashtra.
According to data presented at the meeting, authorities seized 43,632 kg of narcotic substances worth Rs 897 crore under the NDPS Act in 2023.
In 2025, the quantity seized rose to 56,206 kg, valued at Rs 1,340 crore. Compared with 2023, the quantity of narcotics seized increased by 29 per cent, while the value rose by 49 per cent.
Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar and Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam were among those present at the meeting, along with senior state government and police officials.
