E-Paper
UGC for drive against sale of tobacco products
UNIVERSITY GRANTS Commission (UGC) has declared war on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco related products near educational institutions. In a latest missive to all universities, including Allahabad University (AU), the commission has instructed the varsities to up its ante in stopping the sale of tobacco products near their respective campuses as well as the campuses of colleges associated or affiliated to them.
UNIVERSITY GRANTS Commission (UGC) has declared war on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco related products near educational institutions.
In a latest missive to all universities, including Allahabad University (AU), the commission has instructed the varsities to up its ante in stopping the sale of tobacco products near their respective campuses as well as the campuses of colleges associated or affiliated to them.
The authorities concerned have also been instructed to enrol the services of staff members of all the constituent colleges of the university in this regard too.
The circular informs the Vice-Chancellor that 'The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution Act)-2003' which came into effect from May 1, 2004 contains certain provisions pertaining to even educational institutions.
"In order to ensure effective implementation of these provisions of the Act, the universities are requested to take necessary action of putting up 'Boards' as prescribed under the rules to be displayed outside the premises of the university and its affiliated colleges, prominently stating that sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in an area within a radius of 100 yards of the University is strictly prohibited and that such sale is an offence punishable with the fine which may extend to two hundred rupees," the circular (No. F. 1-9/2006(CPP-II)) issued by UGC Joint secretary Dr P Prakash states.
It also instructs officials concerned to initiate efforts to sensitise the teaching and non-teaching staff of the university and its affiliated colleges on the issue so that the system is put in place immediately.
UGC has asked the varsities to appoint certain persons for implementation of the instruction and makes it clear that "The names of the persons authorised to ensure the implementation of this system may be duly notified".
As per the instructions, shops, if any, selling cigarettes and other tobacco products around the university, are to be got removed immediately. "The copy of the Act and related Office circulars have been sent to the Education Secretary of State/Union Territory by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Education, New Delhi. All the universities and Deemed Universities are requested to take necessary action to ensure the implementation of the provisions of this Act. This may also be brought to the notice of the colleges affiliated to the universities," the circular adds.
It is worth mentioning that though the sale of tobacco products are banned on the AU campus, shops selling these products have come up by the dozens on roads as well gates of the university.
Till date the AU authorities had been dismissing dealing with them as issues outside their area of jurisdiction but the latest UGC orders changes this.
