In a determined effort to protect the youth of the country from the dangers of tobacco and substance abuse, the Ministry of Education has announced a nationwide enforcement drive to ensure that all educational institutions remain free from tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The campaign is a heartfelt response to growing concerns about the increasing exposure of students to harmful substances, and reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing a safe, healthy environment for young learners.
The initiative comes in the wake of the 8th Apex Committee meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), where top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) discussed the urgent need for coordinated action. Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of DoSEL, has since issued a strong advisory to all States and Union Territories, urging strict enforcement of existing rules around educational campuses.
India’s youth, comprising one of the largest segments of the global young population, are a vital force for the country’s progress. Yet, troubling data shows that this demographic is increasingly vulnerable. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2019), 8.5% of Indian students aged 13 to 15 were already using tobacco, and over 5,500 children in India start using it every day. These habits often begin at a young age and can lead to further substance abuse. Shockingly, despite existing laws, many students still manage to buy tobacco from vendors located dangerously close to their schools.
Recognizing these threats, the Ministry has reinforced the implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines. These guidelines, supported by a practical manual released last year, outline concrete actions that schools and colleges can take to protect their students. These include clear signage, regular awareness campaigns, the appointment of student tobacco monitors, and strict enforcement of a 100-yard tobacco-free zone around educational campuses. Two measures in particular — marking the 100-yard yellow line and removing vendors from this zone — require strong support from local authorities.
To ensure these efforts translate into real change, a special month-long enforcement drive will be conducted from May 31, 2025 (World No Tobacco Day) to June 26, 2025 (International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking). During this period, States and UTs are expected to crack down on violations of Section 6(b) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which bans the sale of tobacco near educational institutions and to minors. The Ministry has also urged the creation of easy-to-use procedures that allow school staff to report violations directly to the police.
Community support is seen as a cornerstone of the campaign. Teachers, parents, School Management Committees, and local residents all have an essential role in creating an environment where children can grow without the shadow of addiction. To spread awareness in an engaging way, the Ministry has also launched the ‘World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz–2025’ on the MyGov platform, open until July 21, 2025. The quiz encourages learning through fun and aims to foster informed attitudes among students and the public alike.
This nationwide campaign reflects a collective hope: that no child should have to face the life-altering consequences of addiction so early in life. With the active cooperation of communities, law enforcement, and educators, the Ministry believes that this drive can lay the foundation for a healthier, safer, and more resilient generation.
