Amit Shah sets 2028 deadline to make Gujarat drug-free
The Union Home Minister announced a dedicated helpline and promised action within three hours on drug-related complaints.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that Gujarat aims to become drug-free by December 31, 2028. This target is one year ahead of the national deadline of December 31, 2029, according to reports from The Pioneer, Deccan Chronicle and The New Indian Express.
Speaking in Ahmedabad after launching development projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore, Shah said that the government cannot fight narcotics without public assistance. He noted that drug abuse harms the youth by impairing cognitive and sensory abilities, while proceeds from the trade are used to fund terrorism.
A new toll-free helpline, 1033, will start operating in Gujarat on December 1. Shah promised that the Bhupendra Patel Government would respond to complaints regarding drug sales or use within three hours, while ensuring the anonymity of informants.
The Home Minister urged teachers and parents to watch for signs of addiction in young people, such as bloodshot eyes or lack of focus. He also stated that rehabilitation centres would be established to assist those in recovery.
These announcements follow a security review meeting held in Ahmedabad on Saturday, November 7. During that meeting, enforcement agencies were directed to target drug networks and kingpins, and to prioritise financial investigations to seize illicit assets.