Question : TOBACCO FREE CAMPUSES

(a) whether the Government is focusing on intoxication free campuses in schools and colleges across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(DR. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Government is committed to ensure intoxication free campuses in schools and colleges across the country. For this purpose, various measures have been taken as detailed below:-

(i) In accordance with the provisions of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, contents related to drug/substance abuse have been incorporated in the text books of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to make students understand the ill-effects of drug abuse on their health and future prospects in their formative age itself.

(ii) The National Population Education Project and Adolescence Education Programme are being implemented by 30 States/UTs and National Agencies [Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Sangathan (NVS)] to focus on concerns of drug abuse including tobacco – symptoms, effects, myths and misconceptions and its prevention by conducting various curricular and co-curricular activities with school students.

(iii) No sale of tobacco products inside the premises and within the radius of 100 yards from schools/ educational institutions is permitted and it has been made mandatory for the school authorities to display prominently signage in this regard near the main gate and on boundary wall of the school/ institution.

(iv) Every year, 26th June is celebrated as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in various schools and other educational institutions where awareness is generated among students through campaigns, conducting seminars, workshops and exhibitions against drug abuse.

(v) Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of Ministry of Home Affairs has reported that NCB, in coordination and liaison with other drug law enforcement organisations and state police carries out demand (of drugs) reduction activities across the country, provides financial assistance to states for strengthening of narcotics wings and implementing scheme of monetary rewards for information leading to seizure of narcotics drugs to informers and officers.

(c): The question does not arise.