Education
Ministry of Education Launches Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions Campaign
The Ministry of Education has rolled out a nationwide campaign to create Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI). Recognising the severe health impacts of tobacco, which causes around 1.35 million deaths annually in India, the initiative aims to protect school students from tobacco exposure.
Aligned with the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the campaign includes the implementation of the Tobacco Free Educational Institution Guidelines by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Department of School Education & Literacy has developed a “ToFEI Implementation Manual,” launched on World No Tobacco Day, observed on 31st May 2024.
The Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories to comply with the ToFEI guidelines. The advisory includes activities such as displaying ‘Tobacco Free Area’ signage, organising awareness programs, nominating ‘Tobacco Monitors,’ and ensuring no tobacco evidence within 100 yards of educational institutions.
The campaign also emphasizes the role of civil society in spreading de-addiction awareness through various means such as street plays, video films, and NGO talks. Schools are encouraged to engage with the School Management Committee, National Social Service, and Vidyanjali-School Volunteer Initiative to promote tobacco prevention.
For more information, refer to the ToFEI Manual.