800 govt schools declared tobacco-free

As many as 800 government schools in the national Capital have been declared tobacco-free which means no tobacco vendor would now be seen in a 100-metre radius of these institutes. After sending out 32 letters to the Director of Education (DoE), the Delhi State Tobacco Control Department has managed to make these schools tobacco-free.

The city has 1,029 government schools. In an earlier communication, the department had asked the Central Board of Secondary Education and the DoE, to withdraw recognition to schools that do not display 'no smoking' signs on their campus.

"Under the Delhi Prohibition of Smoking and Nonsmokers Health Protection Act, 1996, there has been a ban on the sale of cigarettes to minors, prohibiting the sale in 100-metres radius from a school building, but it is a shame that nobody ever adhered to it," said Dr S K Arora, Delhi State Tobacco Control Officer.

Apart from the 100-metre perimeter restriction and no smoking in the school premises, the institutes are also supposed to share the contact details of the nodal officer on the 'no smoking' signs. The officer can be contacted in case of non-compliance of the order and can fine the violator.

"We have also issued guidelines to the schools on the smoking violation and fines to be charged. If not adhered to, their recognition will be canceled," he added.

In case the nodal officer and the institution head fail to comply with the guidelines or do not take necessary action against violations, they will be given 'challans' and may end up losing their license/recognition.