In order to make schools tobacco free, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMC) has provided training to principals of its school to deal with students who consume tobacco.

A senior NMC official said that the school administration would ensure that no tobacco product is sold within 100 yards of the school premises.  Besides, students should be sensitised about the ill-effects of tobacco products, he said,

The official also said that the Principals have been directed to organise awareness activities at regular interval. “The administration will also inform parents of those children who are found consuming tobacco products. A counseling session should be conducted for such students to help them in giving up the addiction,” he said.

He further said that school staffs have also taken pledge to stay away from tobacco and to motivate children to do the same. A detail guideline has also been issued in this regard, he said.

As per the guidelines, institutes will install warning boards inside and outside of the school premises, the official said.

Terming the initiative is one of its kinds, Mayor of North Delhi Adesh Gupta said that the civic body is working with some NGO to make its schools running in all six zones tobacco free.

Gupta said that according to survey done by "Global Adult Tobacco 2016-17", 12.4 per cent of tobacco users found in between the age group of 15 and 24 In India.

While in Delhi, everyday 81 students become tobacco consumers as per the report, he said.

Mayor said that as the children studying in schools run by the corporation, belong to lower income strata and are more prone to tobacco consumption at early stages. In this circumstance, it is important to have such a program in place, He said.