In India The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 was enacted in May 2003 to discourage the consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products.  Section(4) of this act prohibits smoking in public places. Recently,the provisions relating to prohibition of smoking in public places were reviewed and have come into force w.e.f. 2nd October 2008. Steps are being taken by various Ministries/Departments to become smoke free. In this respect active cooperation of the Department of Education has been sought.

To promote tobacco free schools it has been suggested to include ‘Tobacco Control in the Cirriculum at all Levels’.  All educational institutions have been directed to display No Smoking Area’ at the entrance.

Shachi Saluja
DLDAV School
Pitampura
Delhi