Goa, Aug. 27 -- The Goa Directorate of Education has directed all schools across the state to ensure that a 500-metre radius around their premises is maintained as a drug-free zone, as part of a nationwide initiative to curb drug abuse among students.

The directive follows a recommendation from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, which has called for the implementation of a "500 Meter Drug-Free Zone" around educational institutions.

In a circular dated August 24, 2026, the Directorate of Education directed the heads of all government, government-aided and unaided schools to take immediate and appropriate action to implement the recommendation.

The order covers secondary, higher secondary a...