oon, CBSE schools failing to put up display boards against tobacco use will invite action under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked the principals of schools to put up such display boards at the entrance gate outside the boundary wall, at the reception, cafeteria and other prominent places in the size recommended by the enforcement agencies at the earliest. Non-compliance will attract fine as per the provisions of the Act.
The move comes based on the inference that many schools were yet to fully comply with the directives issued by the Board as part of its anti-tobacco initiatives on campuses.
In a letter written to all the principals on January 7, the Board has also warned schools not to allow students to participate in events “sponsored by any firm or a subsidiary of a firm which promotes the use of tobacco in any form”. The Board had noticed that some tobacco boards were finding innovative ways to be involved with schoolchildren.
Kerala CBSE School Management Association president T.P.M. Ibrahim Khan said the organisation would take the lead in strengthening the anti-tobacco drive in schools across the State. “All schools will be told to comply with the latest circular from the Board at the earliest. The managements will be encouraged to revive programmes, where students act as volunteers and participate in awareness building measures against tobacco use,” he said.
Tardy implementation
Despite the tall claims by the managements, many city schools are yet to implement key recommendations made by the Board aimed at ensuring tobacco-free schools.
Several institutions have failed to install display boards saying “No Smoking Area – Smoking here is an offence” of 60X30 cm size inside the institution.
Schools must also display instructions stating that no sale of tobacco products is permitted inside the premises and within the radius of 100 yards from schools near the main gate and on boundary wall of the institution.