Amit Shah sets March 31 deadline for anti-drug roadmaps, unveils 3-year national mission

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed all central and state government departments to prepare a clear, time-bound roadmap by March 31, 2026, aligned with their respective roles to tackle the growing drug menace in the country. He also stressed the need for a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure focused and accountable action.

Shah issued the directive while chairing the 9th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Home Minister announced that from March 31, 2026, a three-year collective nationwide campaign against drug abuse would be launched. Under this initiative, the roles of all stakeholders would be clearly defined, targets fixed, and progress reviewed regularly in a time-bound manner.

Emphasising the goal of a ‘Drug-Free India’, Shah said the country must fight the drug problem on all fronts over the next three years to protect its youth. He instructed all central departments to prepare implementation roadmaps extending up to 2029, along with systems for periodic review.

Drug menace linked to narco-terrorism

The Home Minister underlined that drug abuse is not merely a law-and-order issue but is closely connected to narco-terrorism, calling it a conspiracy to weaken future generations. He noted that substance abuse directly impacts the physical and mental health of youth, national productivity, and social harmony.

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During the meeting, Shah inaugurated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office in Amritsar. He highlighted the critical role of Forensic Science Laboratories and urged states to speed up the destruction of seized narcotics. He also called upon state Directors General of Police to prepare state-specific action plans and ensure the timely disposal of confiscated drugs.

The NCORD mechanism, set up in 2016, functions through a four-tier structure: apex, executive, state, and district, to strengthen coordination between the Centre, states, and enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking.