New Delhi, July 18: The sale of tobacco will be prohibited in the premises of all educational institutions as the health ministry has advised states to mark a zone in the compound to curb the sale of all tobacco products. Reports inform that the health ministry has asked the states to ensure that all educational institutions clearly mark a 100-yard zone to ban the sale of tobacco and related products outside their compounds. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the directive is meant to make it convenient for people to know of the line they can’t cross. Banning E-Cigarettes but Not Tobacco, Beedi and Cigarettes Is Contradictory: Industry.

A senior health ministry official was quoted in the report saying that the move will not just help tobacco sellers but also the institution staff to identify the prohibited areas. It was in June that the health ministry had written to the states and circulated the revised guidelines, titled “Tobacco Free Educational Institution” (ToFEI). E-cigarettes Set to be Banned in India, Narendra Modi Govt Calls Them 'Drugs'.

According to the revised guidelines, the educational Institution should mark such boundaries which clearly define the 100 yards area to ensure that no tobacco products are sold within marked area. The report further stated that an Educational Institution (EI) should display ‘Tobacco Free Educational Institution’ signage within the premises, and a “Tobacco Free Area” signage outside the institution.

According to the HT report, the signage is supposed to be displayed at prominent places, such as on the boundary wall, the main entrance of an educational institution. Also, the signage could be in the form of boards or wall paints. As per the norms, the sale of tobacco and related products is prohibited within 100 yards of an educational institution, the violation of which is a punishable offence.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2019 05:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).