Chennai school administrations have been directed to display anti-tobacco posters on campuses and paint roads leading to schools with messages warning against tobacco consumption. The oral guidelines, issued by chief and district education officers, aim to sensitize students in government and aided schools about the dangers of tobacco and related products.
Specific Measures Ordered
According to a school head, roads within 100 yards from school compound walls leading to the gate must be painted with the words 'Anti-Tobacco Zone'. Posters must be displayed on school walls and notice boards within campus. School heads are required to hold awareness sessions for students and complete these tasks by the end of this month.
Aligning with Union Health Ministry Guidelines
Officials from the school education department stated that these steps are intended to implement the union health ministry's guidelines for creating Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (TFEI). Chennai chief education officer M Kabir said, “In addition, every school is mandated to have an anti-drug club headed by a teacher. Two students from classes IX and X will be appointed as members to plan rallies, events, or sessions to raise awareness against tobacco consumption.”
Monitoring and Enforcement
The activities of these clubs will be monitored by block education officers. School heads must maintain a log of all activities and submit it to officials. They have also been instructed to coordinate with police, if needed, to identify shops selling tobacco items within 100 yards of schools and take action. A headmaster noted, “At our school, we constantly check students’ bags and belongings to see if there are any items. Now we have been officially given approval for the same.”
Activists Welcome Move, Call for Stricter Enforcement
Anti-tobacco activists have welcomed the initiative but emphasize the need for stricter enforcement. Cyril Alexander, state convenor of Tamil Nadu’s People Forum For Tobacco Control, said, “There should be a permanent ban on gutkha and related products in the state to end the issue once and for all. For a start, the guidelines should be effectively enforced in and around school zones to prevent students from falling prey to tobacco menace.”
