The State Government has directed to affix no-tobacco signboards in all high and higher secondary schools in the State. Smoking and tobacco consumption is prohibited will be written on the signboards to be affixed on all floors of schools and prominent institutions. Signboard of tobacco-free educational institution will also be displayed on the entry gates of schools. The contents displayed on the signboard will show that consumption of cigarette or any other tobacco product is strictly prohibited within 100 yard radius of this school. Its violation is culpable crime with Rs200 fine.
Principals will also sign declaration in this regard and send its copy with photograph to District Education Officer. Quoting name of school, address and pin code, they will declare that no tobacco product is being consumed in the school. Premises has been inspected for butts of cigarettes and bidis and tobacco spitting spots. School has been found free of them. The government has directed all divisional Joint Directors of School Education Department and DEOs to ensure action in this regard before World No-tobacco Day on May 31. Directives have been given to collect and send information in districts to Directorate of Public Instructions.
There is a provision under Tobacco Control Act and Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act to make schools tobacco-free to keep tobacco out of students’ reach. As per the Act, ban has been imposed on smoking and sale of tobacco products to adults and adolescents at public places including educational institutions. According to the Acts, sale of tobacco products should be prohibited within the radius of 100 yards and should be displayed on signboard outside the institution. There is a provision of Rs. 200 fine on violation of this warning.