Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the Maharashtra government will amend the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) during the ongoing monsoon session to intensify action against narcotics smuggling. The move aims to plug gaps in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which often allows accused smugglers to secure bail.
Responding to BJP legislator Parinay Fuke in the state council, Fadnavis said dedicated NDPS units have been established in every police station, with district-level coordination committees also operational. He noted that large-scale action has been taken in recent years and emphasised that enhanced cooperation with the central government has boosted interstate intelligence sharing, enabling coordinated crackdowns on drug syndicates.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of addiction recovery centers and promised new policies to expand and improve their quality. He clarified that cannabis cultivation is illegal and warned of stringent action against anyone involved in smuggling cannabis, gutkha, or similar substances.
In response to a question from Shiv Sena UBT legislator Sunil Shinde, Fadnavis assured that cases of compassionate recruitment of police officers will be resolved swiftly under the state’s 150-day plan, with clear instructions issued to all departments.
Highlighting police welfare, Fadnavis said the 8-hour duty system, first implemented in Mumbai, is now stable statewide, with weekly holidays becoming standard practice. Encashment for missed leave has been significantly increased. He also cited unprecedented progress in housing projects for police personnel across Maharashtra, with rapid construction underway even at the taluka level.
Addressing health concerns, Fadnavis said mandatory annual health check-ups for officers above 40 and biannual check-ups for those above 50 have been introduced, along with counselling initiatives to support mental well-being.
Home Minister Yogesh Kadam added that free treatment for 40 diseases is now available to police personnel through partnerships with 270 hospitals. Cancer screening camps, yoga, meditation, and gym facilities have also been launched to improve police health and morale.
