The Delhi government has issued a circular to all schools under the Directorate of Education (DoE) to take proactive steps and ensure that schools are ‘tobacco-free’ zones and appoint a nodal officer for the purpose.
‘Major cause of deaths’
In is circular, the government wrote, “We all are aware that tobacco is a major cause of deaths in India, surpassing the combined total deaths caused by malaria, dengue, TB, HIV/AIDS, etc. In order to make all schools tobacco-free zones, all schools are directed to ensure that a school health scheme [SHS] nodal officer is nominated by each school to maintain the school building as tobacco-free zones.”
The circular stated that “parents of those children who are found to be in possession of tobacco/ tobacco products to be called to school and counselled on how they can help their wards give up the addiction.”
Heads of schools have also been asked to ensure that no tobacco product is sold within 100 metres of the school premises.
The government has asked all school management committee (SMC) members to actively involve themselves in keeping an eye on the sale of tobacco around schools, and to encourage and sensitise parents and other members of the community about the adverse effects of tobacco.
They have been asked to ensure that discussions on the adverse effects of tobacco are discussed during parent-teacher meetings and students are sensitised about the ill-effects of tobacco in the form of discussions during the morning assembly.
Schools have also been asked to display ‘tobacco-free’ zone boards at prominent places on the school premises, along with the name and contact details of the nodal officer
