Amit Shah Sets 2028 Drug-Free Target for Gujarat

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Ahmedabad on 9 November 2026 that Gujarat should become drug-free by 31 December 2028, ahead of the national target of 31 December 2029. He called drug prevention a collective responsibility and said government action alone could not eradicate narcotics.

Reporting and rehabilitation measures

Shah urged citizens to report drug consumption or sales in their vicinity through a toll-free number, assuring them that their identities would remain confidential. A dedicated State control room was scheduled to begin operating in Gujarat from 1 December for reporting drug use. He also said rehabilitation centres would be set up to help people recover from addiction.

Shah called on teachers to report concerning changes in students’ behaviour and urged guardians to monitor adolescents. He said enforcement action would be taken against those involved in the drug trade.

Important Facts for Exams

• Treatment components: Drug rehabilitation can combine medication, treatment for co-occurring conditions, professional counselling or behavioural therapies, and mutual-support groups.
• Detoxification limits: Effective addiction care addresses a patient’s multiple needs; medically assisted detoxification alone is not an effective treatment for addiction.
• Conditional treatment immunity: Section 64A of India’s NDPS Act offers qualifying addicts immunity from prosecution for section 27 or small-quantity offences, conditional on voluntary treatment at a recognised institution.
• Personal-search safeguard: Under section 50 of the NDPS Act, someone facing a personal search may require it before the nearest gazetted officer or magistrate; this safeguard does not cover premises searches.