India, Aug. 28 -- A Goa education department circular asking schools to maintain a "drug-free zone" within a 500 metre radius around their campuses sparked criticism, with the opposition Congress asking whether drugs would be available and legal at the 501st metre. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called the circular a mockery of the claims of a drug-free state.

The circular asked schools to take "immediate and appropriate action" to "ensure the implementation of the 500 metre drug-free zone around their campuses. It was issued on Thursday as part of a nationwide initiative to curb drug abuse among students.

State Congress chief Girish Chodankar criticised the circular, asking what happens at 501 metres. "Protecting our children from drugs is ...