By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh state government has girded up its loin to save the next generation from ill-effects of tobacco on their health. Preparations are being made to ensure strict action in this regards in all the schools be they private or government ones.
A team comprising teachers and students would be formed in every school which would act as ‘Tobacco control guard’. Noose would be tightened around the teachers, students and employees who use tobacco in any form in the school premises. Concrete shape has been given to this scheme by entrusting responsibilities in this connection to district collectors and Chief Executive Officers of District Panchayats.
If a teacher or employee is found smoking in the school premises he would be fined on the first count. If he is caught using tobacco again, this act would be entered in his C.R. Schools have also been covered under the laws that stipulate ban on use of tobacco at public places.
Action would be taken against a person found selling cigarettes, bidis, gutkha and other tobacco-based products within 100 metres radius from a school by the school administration with the help of police. Sale of tobacco to or by a person below the age of 18 years would be construed as crime. Surprise checks would be conducted in this connection.
The team to be formed in every school as ‘tobacco control guard’ would comprise three students and a teacher. They would be imparted regular training in this connection. Apart from implementing tobacco ban with a firm hand, members of these teams would also inspire the addicts to shun tobacco. With the help of these volunteers the school administration would know the number of tobacco addict teachers, employees and students right in the beginning of the academic session and inform the district administration about it. Another report would be given to the district administration after four months showing the latest situation and as to how many persons have shunned tobacco.
The schools where use of tobacco would be fully controlled would be declared tobacco-free and a placard to this effect would be hanged on the main gate of the concerning school. Schools would organise programmes on tobacco ban throughout the year.
Similarly, anti-tobacco slogans would be printed on the stationery to be used in the schools. Best ‘tobacco control guards’ and schools would be honoured on the occasion of Republic Day. The schools have been asked to send a monthly report in this regard. ([email protected])