Dimapur, Aug. 31 (EMN): The district administration of Mon has issued a circular on August 28 concerning measures to make schools ‘tobacco-free zones.’ Government and private schools are requested to take all necessary measures to fulfil the conditions needed to declare a ‘tobacco-free zone.’
The government publicity agency, the department of Information and Public Relations (IPR), issued to the media on Saturday updates about the notification stated to have been issued by deputy commissioner of Mon, Thavaseelan K.
In pursuance of the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act of 2003, authorities are informed that all the schools in Mon district will be made tobacco-free schools with the aim to prevent and control tobacco use among students, the updates stated.
“Hence, a period of 3 (three) months has been given to all schools (government, government aided and private). The heads of the Institution are to ensure the following in order to be declared as ‘tobacco-free school’ within the given time frame,” the IPR stated.
They are to display of ‘tobacco-free school’ or ‘tobacco-free institution’ board at a prominent place on the boundary wall outside the main entrance.
There shall be no sale of tobacco products inside premises and within a radius of 100 yards from the school/educational institution. A mandatory signage in this regard should be displayed permanently near the main gate and on boundary wall of school/institute, the updates stated.
Smoking and chewing of tobacco inside the premises of the institution by students, teachers and other staff members or visitors should be prohibited.
Further, they are to display of a signboard stating ‘No Smoking Area - Smoking here is an offence’ of 60x30 cm size inside the institution as mandated by law.
“Posters with information about the harmful effects of tobacco should be displayed at prominent place in the school/institutions. Students should be encouraged to make their own posters on tobacco control themes,” the IPR stated further.
A copy of the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 should be available with the principal, head of institution.
A tobacco control committee should be in place too, the updates stated. It may be led by a school head or principal with members comprising the science teacher or any other teacher, school counsellor if available, at least two NSS/NCC/Scout students, at least two parents’ representatives; the area’s member of legislative assembly, area SHO, municipal councillor, members of PRIs, and ‘any other member,’ the IPR stated.
The committee should meet quarterly and report to the district administration, the updates stated.
Further, the IPR reported that the institutions integrate tobacco control activities with ongoing school health programmes of the state. They are also to promote writing anti-tobacco slogans on the school/institution’s stationery.
The principal or head of institution should recognize tobacco control initiatives by giving certificates of appreciation.
Further, the IPR reported, the district nodal officer for tobacco control in the district hospital may be consulted for technical or any other inputs.
Action that is taken in this regard may be intimated to the district administration within three months of this circular having been issued, the deputy commissioner added.
