Delhi Lt Governor(LG)Vinai Kumar Saxena has directed for strict implementation of guidelines for tobacco-free educational institutions in an effort to promote a tobacco-free, healthier and safer learning environment in Delhi, Raj Niwas said on Wednesday.
Giving details, officials said the Chief Secretary has been instructed to issue necessary orders to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines and appoint nodal officers in each institution to ensure the same. The names and contact numbers of these nodal officers will be prominently displayed in every institution.
During the ninth the ninth review meeting of the state-level committee Narco Co-ordionation Centre(NCORD), the LG had emphasized upon the critical role of these nodal officers in overseeing compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, and addressing drug abuse concerns.
Saxena’s directives come in response to National Health Mission’s Guidelines for educational institutions that mandate display of signages at prominent places, to designate tobacco monitors from amongst their staff, an official or a teacher or a student representative.
Other directives include mark boundaries / areas to define 100 yard area of tobacco-free zone. All the Head of Department / Institution are authorized to collect fine for sale of tobacco product within 100 yards of educational institution. The Heads of Educational Institutions to impose and collect fines also under Section 4 of The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
The communication sent to the Chief Secretary from the LG Secretariat also emphasizes upon the importance of creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, organizing tobacco cessation programs, and providing counselling and support services to students and staff. During the meeting, the LG has also taken note of concerns raised by the Special Commissioner of Police (ANTF) regarding drug abuse in schools and colleges, as well as the lack of adequate counselling and guidance facilities for students and parents.
