Centre Drive to Make Educational Institutions Tobacco-Free

Health-focused campaign across India

Centre Drive to Make Educational Institutions Tobacco-Free: The Ministry of Education has rolled out a large-scale campaign to keep schools and colleges free from tobacco and harmful substances. The objective is to create a clean and safe environment for students, away from the influence of tobacco and drug use. This action strengthens the enforcement of existing rules while raising awareness among young people, staff, and nearby communities.

Growing concerns among youth

India’s student population is vast and vulnerable. Reports like the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-2), 2019 reveal that about 8.5% of students aged 13–15 already consume tobacco. What’s more troubling is that more than 5,500 children begin using tobacco products each day. These numbers highlight the need for urgent, practical interventions to protect school-going youth from early exposure.

Guidelines for safer campuses

The initiative follows the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) framework, which outlines specific steps every school must follow. These include putting up no-tobacco signs, banning tobacco use inside premises, appointing a Tobacco Monitor, and sharing awareness materials with students. A visible yellow boundary is to be marked 100 yards around each institution, warning vendors and individuals to stay clear of the area with tobacco products.

Enforcing the rules on the ground

All States and Union Territories have been asked to implement these measures without delay. Educational authorities must collaborate with local law enforcement to shut down shops selling tobacco near schools. There will be routine checks and special enforcement actions during the campaign period. The main laws being used here include Section 6(b) of COTPA, 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco near educational institutions and to minors.

Month-long campaign period

The campaign runs from May 31, marking World No Tobacco Day, to June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This timeline reinforces the link between anti-tobacco action and the broader fight against substance abuse.

Everyone has a role

Teachers, parents, and School Management Committees (SMCs) are expected to support these changes. The effort is not limited to institutions but involves entire communities. There are also tools to help raise awareness, such as the World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz 2025 hosted on MyGov, available between May 22 and July 21.

This campaign is part of a broader strategy to safeguard students and ensure schools are places of health, not harm. By combining education, awareness, and enforcement, the government aims to steer the next generation away from tobacco and addiction.

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