Measures to Ensure a Tobacco Free Atmosphere in Schools
Government of West Bengal
School Education Department
Secondary Branch
Bikash Bhawan
Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700 091
No. 541-SE/S/10M-60/17 Date: 05.07.2017
From: Joint Secretary to the Govt. of West Bengal.
To: The Commissioner of School Education, West Bengal,
Bikash Bhavan, 7th Floor, Salt Lake, Kolkata -700091
Sub.: Taking measures towards ensuring a tobacco free atmosphere in the schools.
On the above mentioned subject, the undersigned is directed to refer to the provision of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 and to inform him that the following steps may be taken by the concerned authorities in this regard:
- There may be display of “No Smoking Area” signage at prominent places in the educational institutions as smoking in a public place is prohibited under section 4 of the aforesaid Act.
- In terms of the provision contained in Section 6 and Section 24 of the said Act, a board may be displayed at a conspicuous place(s) outside the premises prominently stating that sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in an area within a radius of one hundred yards of the educational institution is strictly prohibited and that it is an offence punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.
- In terms of the aforesaid provision of the said Act, it may be ensured that nobody uses any form of tobacco (smoking and smokeless) in the entire institution campus including its canteen and hostel.
- In terms of the Notification No. G.S.R. 561(E) dated 01.09.2004 of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health), Government of India, distance of one hundred yards shall be measured radially starting from the outer limit of boundary wall, fence or as the case may be, of the educational institution.
- Steps may also be taken to ensure that no tobacco products are being sold or offered in the entire premises of a school.
- Random checking may be advised at the probable points of violation of the said law especially during the peak hours.
It is also mentioned that in terms of the Prohibition of Smoking in the Public Places Rules, 2008 framed under the aforesaid Act, the Head of an Educational Institution can impose fine upto Rs. 200/- on a person who uses/sells tobacco products within the premises of an Educational Institution.
Sd/- Joint Secretary
to the Govt. of West Bengal