Ministry of Education Initiates Nationwide Enforcement Drive for Education
In a significant move to safeguard students from the dangers of tobacco and substance abuse, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has urged all States and Union Territories (UTs) to enforce strict regulations around educational institutions. This initiative follows the 8th Apex Committee meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), which emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between education and law enforcement to protect young people. With a growing youth population in India, the government aims to create a healthier environment for students by implementing comprehensive guidelines to eliminate tobacco, alcohol, and drugs from school surroundings.
Urgent Need for Action
India boasts one of the youngest populations globally, with a significant portion under the age of 29. This demographic is crucial for the nation’s future, making their protection from harmful substances imperative. Recent studies reveal a troubling trend: tobacco use among youth is on the rise, often leading to experimentation with other substances. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-2) conducted in 2019 found that 8.5% of Indian students aged 13 to 15 were using tobacco. Alarmingly, over 5,500 children in India begin using tobacco every day. Tobacco consumption is frequently a precursor to more dangerous substance use, with many adult users starting during their teenage years. Despite existing laws, tobacco products remain easily accessible near schools, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Government Initiatives to Combat Tobacco Use
In response to this escalating issue, the Ministry of Education has rolled out the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines. These guidelines aim to create a tobacco-free environment in schools and colleges. Launched on May 31, 2024, the implementation manual provides a structured approach for educational institutions to adhere to these guidelines. The manual empowers stakeholders to enforce measures that protect students from tobacco-related dangers. Key activities outlined in the ToFEI guidelines include displaying “Tobacco Free Area” signage, ensuring no evidence of tobacco use on campus, and conducting awareness campaigns about the harms of tobacco. Additionally, schools are required to implement at least one tobacco control activity every six months and nominate tobacco monitors to oversee compliance.
Month-Long Enforcement Drive
To reinforce these initiatives, a month-long enforcement drive will commence on May 31, 2025, coinciding with World No Tobacco Day, and will continue until June 26, 2025, which marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During this period, States and UTs are encouraged to enforce Section 6(b) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. This legislation prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions and restricts sales to minors. States are also urged to develop clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that allow school staff to report violations directly to local law enforcement without fear of repercussions.
Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns
The Ministry has highlighted the importance of community involvement in this initiative. School Management Committees (SMCs), teachers, and parents play a vital role in creating safe learning environments. By raising awareness and reporting violations, communities can significantly contribute to this mission. To further educate students and the public about the dangers of tobacco, the Ministry has launched the “World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz-2025” on the MyGov platform. This interactive quiz, available from May 22 to July 21, 2025, aims to empower youth with knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco. The Ministry calls on all citizens to support this campaign, believing that collective efforts can lead to safer, healthier educational spaces free from the influence of harmful substances.
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