In a step towards protecting the health and well-being of students, the Ministry of Education has rolled out a nationwide campaign to promote Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI). This initiative is part of the broader National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) spearheaded by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The campaign was officially launched on World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31, 2024.
The Department of School Education & Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has developed a comprehensive ‘ToFEI Implementation Manual’ for schools. The manual aims to ensure that educational institutions across the country adhere to the ToFEI guidelines and transform into #TobaccoFreeArea zones.
To further this mission, the Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy has issued a detailed advisory to all States and Union Territories. The advisory outlines several key activities to be undertaken by schools and their surrounding areas to comply with the ToFEI guidelines. These activities include:
- Display of ‘Tobacco Free Area’ Signage: Educational institutions are to display clear signage inside their premises, indicating the designated person responsible for tobacco control.
- Entrance Signage: “Tobacco Free Education Institution” signage must be displayed at the entrance or boundary wall, also detailing the designated person’s information.
- Clean Premises: Schools must ensure there is no evidence of tobacco use, such as cigarette butts or discarded tobacco pouches, and no spitting spots within their premises.
- Awareness Materials: Posters and other awareness materials on the harms of tobacco should be displayed prominently within educational institutions.
- Tobacco Control Activities: Schools are required to organize at least one tobacco control activity every six months.
- Nomination of Tobacco Monitors: Schools must nominate ‘Tobacco Monitors’ and display their names, designations, and contact numbers on the signage.
- Inclusion in Code of Conduct: “No Tobacco Use” guidelines should be incorporated into the educational institutions’ code of conduct.
- 100-Yard Tobacco-Free Zone: The area within 100 yards of the boundary wall or fence of educational institutions should be marked as a tobacco-free zone.
- Ban on Tobacco Sales Near Schools: Shops within 100 yards of educational institutions are prohibited from selling any kind of tobacco products.
- Tobacco-Free Pledge: Students and staff are encouraged to take a pledge against tobacco use, as outlined in Annexure-III of the ToFEI Implementation Manual.
Additionally, the Secretary highlighted the crucial role of civil society in spreading awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Civil society organizations are encouraged to participate through street plays, video films, and talks by NGOs and resource persons. Schools are advised to leverage School Management Committee meetings, the National Social Service, and the Vidyanjali-School Volunteer Initiative to involve these organizations and spread awareness among students, teachers, parents, and staff.
For more detailed guidelines, stakeholders can refer to the ToFEI Manual available https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/guidelines/im_tofel.pdf.
