Central Board of Secondary Education

Sensitization regarding Tackling Tobacco Epidemic

In continuation to our circular No. 09/2006 dated 31.5.2006; Cir. No. 29/2007 dated 20.6.2007; Cir. No. 27/2008 dated 24.06.2008; Cir. No. 33/2008 dated 01.09.2008; Cir. No. 49/2008 dated 6.11.2008; Cir. No. 18/2009 dated 19.01.2009; Cir.No.04/2012 dated 24.04.2012 and Cir. No. 13/2014 dated 08.05.2014) and with reference to Health Manuals (4 volumes), Life Skills Manuals and Environment Education Manuals and Adolescent Education Programme Manuals, the Board wishes to highlight the fact that tobacco consumption remains a serious health issue in our society and among all the steps that could be taken to prevent the consumption of tobacco the most productive is perhaps to prevent young persons from acquiring the habit of consumption of tobacco.

There are powerful social, environmental, advertising, and marketing factors responsible for initiating and sustaining tobacco use among youth. Nevertheless, the Board still considers that this epidemic can be prevented by a sustained multi-pronged campaign involving community at large. In this context; the role of schools affiliated to CBSE assumes paramount significance. They need to ensure that there continues to be the widest possible exposure to harmful effects of tobacco and anti-tobacco campaigns in schools by involving students in myriad activities under Health  and Wellness Club, Eco Clubs and various co-curricular activities as part of their annual calendar.

It has come to the notice of the Board that some tobacco promoting firms are finding some innovative ways to be involved with the school children. It is, therefore, strongly advised that no school affiliated to CBSE is permitted to allow its students to participate in the events sponsored by any firm or a subsidiary of a firm which promotes the use of tobacco in any form. Schools/Students should not accept any prize or scholarship instituted by a tobacco promoting firm. It is recommended that schools should not allow any institution using brand name, emblem, trademark, logo or trade insignia or any other distinct feature directly/indirectly connected with tobacco products to be associated with students.

As suggested in Boards’ Circular no 04/2012, it is worth reminding that

a) Schools may display Posters with information about the harmful effects of tobacco at prominent places in the school. Students should be encouraged to make their own posters on tobacco control themes.

b) A copy of the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 needs to be available with the Principal/ Head of School/ Institution. (It can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare – www.mohfw.nic.in )

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Courtesy : CBSE