June 23rd, Srinagar The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has sent out a circular instructing all schools in the Kashmir division to spread the word about the “Guidelines for Tobacco Free Educational Institutions” (ToFEI) in an effort to shield the next generation from tobacco’s destructive effects.
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003 has various regulations aimed at preventing young people from starting to smoke.
According to a circular obtained by DSEK, “these provisions include the prohibition of tobacco product sales within 100 yards of an educational institution, the ban on the sale of tobacco products to or by individuals under the age of 18, and the prohibition of any form of direct or indirect tobacco product advertisements.”
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has developed detailed ‘Guidelines for smoke Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)’ with the goals of early intervention and raising knowledge about the negative effects of smoke in mind.
The circular claims that schools “play a crucial role in creating a healthy and tobacco-free environment in society.”
From May 31st to July 31st, 2023, the DSEK and the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir will run a unified campaign in all Kashmiri schools to raise awareness of these policies.
The campaign will include “awareness programmes,” “pledge-taking ceremonies,” “essay writing,” “painting,” and “quiz” contests, “road rallies,” and “morning processions,” according to the circular.
In light of this initiative, all school principals in the Kashmir region have been given stern instructions to disseminate information about the ‘Guidelines for Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)’ and to work together to make India a healthier place for all its citizens.
“The circular instructions must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure the success of this campaign and the overall goal of a tobacco-free educational environment,” states the DSEK circular.
An official said that the DSEK has taken action to educate students, educators, and other stakeholders about the risks associated with tobacco usage.
One official expressed hope that “with the collective effort of educational institutions and the wider community, we can pave the way towards a healthier and tobacco-free future for youth, particularly the school going children.”
