World No Tobacco Day Initiative in Chennai
The educational institutions in Chennai are mandated to demarcate a 100 yard or 300 feet tobacco-free zone around their premises using a thick yellow line. This action aligns with the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003, which restricts the sale of tobacco within this vicinity.
Enforcement Details
- Completion Deadline: 30 days from May 31, observed as World No Tobacco Day.
- Current Year Theme: "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products".
Guidelines and Involvement
- The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has communicated the guidelines to District Health Officers.
- Guidelines are based on the Revised Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines by the Union Health Ministry and the ToFEI implementation manual by the Union Education Ministry.
- Involvement of local body authorities and Parents Teachers Association is required to ensure compliance.
Enforcement Team and Drive
- Team Composition: Health, police, and local authorities.
- Drive Schedule: May 30, June 3, and June 6.
- Objectives:
- Conduct block-level intensified enforcement under COTPA.
- Remove all direct/indirect advertisements of tobacco products.
