Delhi University to smoke out smokers

The Delhi University’s Smoke Free Campaign, which first started with the North Campus in 2006, is on its way to colleges parked in South Campus, reports Ritika Chopra.

Delhi University’s (DU) South Campus is now gearing up to smoke out its smokers.

HT Image

The varsity’s Smoke Free Campaign, which first started with the North Campus in 2006, is on its way to colleges parked in South Campus.

Deshbandhu College, Lady Shri Ram, Venkateswara College and Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College are the first few institutions, which will be roped into the campaign and declared tobacco-free zones by the end of this year.

Though the anti-tobacco law of the country bans smoking in all education institutions and the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of any school or college premises, students of DU had for long been able to flout the law due to lack of vigilance.

Things have, however, changed for the better since 2006.

“The World Lung foundation and DU have worked together and have been able to reduce smoking in the North Campus to quite an extent. The idea is to replicate the success in South Campus as well,” said University Proctor Gurmeet Singh.

The Smoke Free Initiative will make its presence felt through boards and hoarding carrying anti-tobacco messages which will come up in the next ten days, added Singh.

However, the campaign’s intention is to only smoke out the habit and not those eking a living out of it. GR Khatri, President of the World Lung Foundation said the organisation would extend financial help to kiosk owners who are wholly dependent on cigarette sales.

“We’ll offer loans up to Rs 5,000 to help them set up small shops that sell tuck instead of cigarettes,” he said.