Manasagangotri, the postgraduate campus of the Mysore University, will soon be declared a tobacco-free zone. A smoking zone will also be set up in the campus for staff and guest lecturers, and the rest of the area would be converted into a no-smoking zone.
As part of its Green Campus initiative, the university has decided to impose ban on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products on campus.
There are many shops on the Manasagangotri campus which sell cigarettes and tobacco products. C. Ramaswamy, Administrative Officer, told The Hindu here on Monday that notice has been served to these shops and shopkeepers warned of stringent action if they were found selling tobacco products. The university will also send circulars to all departments directing students not to consume tobacco products, warning them of penalisation if they are found using tobacco products on campus.
The university plans to fine students when they were caught the first time. If a student was caught more than thrice, he would not be allowed to write the postgraduate examinations, the source said.
The contract period of many shops on the campus are over and the university may not renew the agreeement. It plans to build a complex where products needed for students would be available.
It is planning to set up a smoking zone for staff and guest lecturers.
The university will also launch a ‘Swachha Abhiyan’ campaign in the campus on November 9 and Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University K.S. Rangappa will inaugurate it. The university will also restrict the use of plastic bags in the campus from November 9.
