MoE Launches Nationwide Campaign on Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)

Tags: National News

The Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI), under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), has initiated a nationwide campaign focused on Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI).

An Overview of the News

• The Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, MoE, has issued a comprehensive advisory to all States/UTs regarding compliance with the ToFEI Guidelines outlined in the ToFEI Implementation Manual.

• The ToFEI Implementation Manual, launched on World No Tobacco Day (31 May 2024), will play a critical role in guiding the transformation of all educational institutions across India into "Tobacco Free" zones.

Implementing Tobacco-Free Zones: Key Steps for Schools and Surrounding Areas

• Display signage stating "Tobacco Free Area" and "Tobacco Free Education Institution."

• Ensure no presence of tobacco-related evidence such as cigarette/beedi butts, discarded gutka/tobacco pouches, or spitting spots on premises.

• Post awareness materials about tobacco harms within the institution.

• Organize at least one tobacco control activity biannually (every 6 months).

• Nominate 'Tobacco Monitors' and prominently display their names, designations, and contact numbers on signage.

• Include guidelines against tobacco use in the institution's code of conduct.

• Mark a 100-yard (300 feet) area from the outer boundary of the educational institute.

• Prohibit tobacco sales within 100 yards of any educational institution.

• Conduct anti-tobacco pledges as outlined in Annexure-III of the ToFEI Implementation Manual.