All CBSE schools to display tobacco-related warning messages

New Delhi, Jan 9: Display of boards bearing warning messages related to consumption or sale of tobacco has been made mandatory by CBSE for all its affiliated schools, failing which will attract a penalty of Rs one lakh or six-month imprisonment.

The board has also advised schools to not allow students to participate in any events sponsored by such firms, which promote the use of tobacco in any form.

In a communication, CBSE has said the "display boards may be put up at the entrance gate outside the boundary wall of schools, at the reception, cafeteria and other prominent places in the size recommended without fail at the earliest".

The display board at the entrance would come with the warning that "sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in an area within the radius of 100 meters of any educational institution is a punishable offence".

The punishment can be imposed in the form of a fine of Rs one lakh or six-month imprisonment. The latest circular is in continuation of an earlier circular sent to schools spelling out the guidelines on protection from exposure to tobacco smoke in keeping with the World Health Organisation guidelines for all the schools affiliated to it.

Taking note of the fact that some tobacco-promoting firms are finding some innovative ways to be involved with the school children, CBSE has asked schools to ensure such events do not recur.

It is also recommended that schools should not allow any institution to use the brand name, logo or any other distinct feature connected with any tobacco products.

The communication is aimed at making schools 'tobacco- free educational institutions', given that India is the second largest consumer of tobacco products in the world.

PTI