Port Blair, July 24: The District Administration of South Andaman has implemented a ban on the consumption and sale of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) within educational institutes and their 100-yard boundaries. This decision, under the COTPA, 2003, aims to discourage tobacco use, especially among youth, and protect the overall population from the severe health risks linked with tobacco consumption.
Section 4 of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) prohibits smoking in public places, ensuring that spaces like educational institutions are smoke-free environments. Meanwhile, Section 6 of COTPA focuses on protecting minors and youths by regulating and restricting the tobacco business, emphasizing the importance of compliance within educational settings. As per COTPA, all educational institutions must adhere to these provisions, thereby contributing to the broader effort to mitigate the harmful effects of tobacco and promote public health.
To ensure compliance with the law regarding the prohibition of tobacco use and sale in educational institutions within South Andaman District, the following measures must be implemented by all educational institutes and enforcement agencies:
1) Display "No Smoking Area" Signage: Prominent signage indicating "No Smoking Area" must be displayed throughout the campus of both government and private educational institutions (Annexure-1).
2) Display "Tobacco Free Educational Institution" Signage: Another signage stating "Tobacco free educational Institution" must be displayed at the main gate or outer boundary, clearly indicating the prohibition of sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of the institution (Annexure-2).
3) Enforce tobacco-tree policy
4) Prohibit sale of tobacco products
5) Random checks by Police/Enforcement agencies
6) Imposition of fine for tobacco use/sale
Ensuring compliance with COTPA regulations is a specific responsibility entrusted to the head or designated authority of educational institutions. This includes the mandatory display of "No Smoking Area" and "Tobacco free Educational Institution" signage, even in the absence of visible violations. By proactively implementing these measures, institutions uphold their commitment to creating a tobacco-free environment. Leadership in enforcement and education further reinforces the message, fostering a culture of health and well-being among students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike.