Strict Ban on Tobacco & Drug Sales Near Schools in Maharashtra: Govt Issues Warning

The Maharashtra government has announced that it will strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy against the sale of drugs, tobacco, and related substances within school surroundings. This decision comes amid rising concerns over the easy availability of addictive products around educational institutions, which puts schoolchildren at risk of early addiction and long-term health problems.

I find this update important because it directly impacts students’ safety in their learning environment. Many parents and teachers have voiced worries about shops knowingly selling cigarettes, gutkha, e-cigarettes, and even illegal intoxicants around schools. Often, these products are marketed in colourful packaging that attracts minors.

When a government frames a strict policy with accountability, it sets a stronger message — protecting children is a shared duty, not just a formality on paper. This move also encourages schools and communities to participate in reporting offenders rather than staying silent. Policies like these can help reduce substance abuse at a crucial age where children are most likely to experiment without understanding consequences.

What the Zero-Tolerance Policy Means

The government has made it clear that:

No tobacco, cigarette, gutkha, e-cigarette, or drug-related products can be sold near school boundaries.
Violators will face strict legal action without exceptions.
Local authorities have been instructed to monitor and penalise offenders.

The policy covers areas surrounding:

Schools
Junior colleges
Educational campuses
Coaching classes

Who Will Enforce the Rules?

To ensure strong implementation, the state has directed:

Police departments
Local municipal bodies
Education officials
Anti-narcotics units

These teams will work together to identify shops violating the law and take immediate action.

Why Students Are At Risk

Addiction among teenagers often begins due to:

Easy access near schools
Peer pressure
Curiosity influenced by flashy product marketing
Lack of awareness about harmful impacts

Research shows that children who experiment with tobacco or drugs at a young age are more likely to struggle with addiction later in life.

December 2025 School Holidays: Full Winter Break Schedule Across Indian States

As December 2025 approaches, schools across India are preparing to close for their much-awaited winter vacations. For students, this period means a break from classes, homework, and exams, while for parents it is time to plan travel, family gatherings, or simply enjoy a slower routine at home. With Christmas and New Year falling within this window, most states have scheduled holidays accordingly, though the exact dates vary depending on climate and local administration.

I am writing about school winter vacations because every year parents and students search for clear, state-wise holiday information, and it is often scattered or confusing. Knowing the tentative vacation dates in advance helps families plan trips, tuition schedules, and festive celebrations without last-minute stress. It also allows working parents to make arrangements for childcare during the school break.

Why Winter Vacations Matter for Schools and Families

Winter vacations are not just about festivals. In many parts of India, especially northern states, schools shut due to cold weather conditions. In southern and coastal states, the holidays are usually shorter and revolve mainly around Christmas and New Year. These breaks give students time to rest, revise, and mentally recharge before the final academic stretch.

For families, this is also one of the few times in the academic year when travel is possible without worrying about attendance or exams.

School Winter Vacations December 2025: State-Wise Overview

Below is a broad, state-wise overview of expected school winter holidays in December 2025. Final dates may vary slightly depending on state government notifications and individual school boards.

Delhi and NCR

Schools in Delhi and NCR are expected to observe winter vacations from the last week of December, mainly due to cold weather. Holidays may begin around Christmas and extend into early January.

Uttar Pradesh and Haryana

Schools in these states usually announce longer winter breaks because of low temperatures. Vacations are expected to start in the final week of December and continue into the first or second week of January.

Maharashtra

Most schools in Maharashtra generally declare shorter winter holidays. Christmas Day and New Year are holidays, with a brief break of a few days around this period.

Karnataka

Schools typically observe holidays for Christmas and New Year, with winter vacations usually limited to one week or less, depending on the board and district.

Kerala

Kerala schools often align their winter break with Christmas celebrations. Vacations generally start around December 24 or 25 and may last for about a week.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

In these states, winter vacations are relatively short. Schools usually close for Christmas and New Year, with holidays lasting a few days rather than an extended break.

Key Dates to Watch in December 2025

Some common holidays that fall during the winter vacation period include:

Christmas Day: December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day: January 1, 2026

Many schools club these holidays with weekends to create a longer break.

Important Note for Parents and Students

It is important to remember that holiday dates can differ based on school boards such as CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and private institutions. Parents should always check circulars issued by their child’s school or the respective state education department for confirmed dates.

I would also suggest keeping an eye on weather-related announcements, especially in northern states, where extreme cold can lead to extensions in winter vacations.