Tobacco Free Educational Institutions Implementation Manual Launched

Shri Anandrao V. Patil, Additional Secretary, DoSEL, echoed these sentiments, underlining the moral obligation to shield children from tobacco's harmful effects.

In commemoration of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2024, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, unveiled the Implementation Manual of Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) in collaboration with the Socio Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS) at New Delhi today. Aligned with this year's WNTD theme, "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference", the manual is poised to make a significant impact in safeguarding students from the harms of tobacco.

The manual serves as a comprehensive guide to help educational institutions adhere to the ToFEI guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, fostering a healthier, tobacco-free environment for students. Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, emphasized the importance of discouraging tobacco use in educational institutions and advocated for the creation of tobacco-free zones to protect children from addiction.

Shri Anandrao V. Patil, Additional Secretary, DoSEL, echoed these sentiments, underlining the moral obligation to shield children from tobacco's harmful effects. Drawing attention to the alarming mortality rates associated with tobacco consumption, he urged stakeholders to diligently implement the ToFEI Implementation Manual.

Dr. Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in combating tobacco use among students, citing data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 2019, which revealed concerning trends in tobacco consumption among students aged 13 to 15.

In a symbolic gesture of commitment, all dignitaries present took an oath against tobacco use, affirming their dedication to building a healthier, tobacco-free future for the nation's youth. The event saw the participation of senior officials from the Ministry of Education, autonomous bodies, States/UTs, as well as representatives from SEEDS, Dr. Rana J Singh and Shri Deepak Mishra.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Shri U.P. Singh, Director, DoSEL, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, and participants for their unwavering support towards the successful launch of the ToFEI Implementation Manual.