Revised Guidelines For Declaring Educational Institutions Tobacco Free Zones

The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 was enacted in May 2003 essentially to discourage the consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products and to protect youth and the general population from the harmful effects of tobacco use. This act is applicable to the entire country.

Section 4 of COTPA prohibits smoking in public places and Section 6 of COTPA protects the minors and youths from tobacco by regulating and restricting the tobacco business. All educational institutions are defined under COTPA and are to abide by the law to comply with the provisions of Section4 and Section 6 of COTPA.

In order to ensure the compliance to the law, following things require to be ensured at the institutional level –

1. Display of “No Smoking Area” signage at prominent places in the institution campus.
2. Display of another signage “Tobacco free educational Institution” at main gate/outer boundary informing prohibition of sale of tobacco products within 100 yards distance. (annexure 2)
3. Ensure that nobody (faculties, staff, students, patients and visitors) use any form of tobacco (smoking and smokeless) in the whole institution campus including canteens and hostels.
4. Ensure that no tobacco products are being sold or offered in the whole campus including the canteen, hostel mess and within 100 yards of the outer boundary/main gate of the institution.
5. Ensure random checking at the probable points of violation.

It is further added that under the law

• The head of institution or designated officer is authorized to fine a person upto Rs. 200/- who used tobacco products in the institute’s campus including the canteen.
• The head of institution or designated officer is authorized to fine the tobacco vendors upto Rs. 200/-Who sell tobacco products within 100 yards of the institute’s main gate/boundary.

According to Section 77 Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 ‘Whoever gives, or causes to be given, to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a terms which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees”. According to Section 2(12) of the Act “child” means a person who has not completed eighteen years of age.

For educational institutes in West Bengal and its people, we are presenting the Guidelines defined by Government of India for declaring an educational institute and its near surroundings a Tobacco Zone in Bengali.