Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 – Recent Updates

In response to the increasing use of tobacco among young people, India’s Union Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have issued important guidelines to make educational institutions tobacco-free. This initiative, which is tied to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, aims to protect children and teenagers from becoming addicted to tobacco.

Current Situation

According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, about 8.5% of school students aged 13 to 15 in India use tobacco. Even more concerning, over 5,500 children start using tobacco every day, and 55% of people who use tobacco for their whole lives start before the age of 20. This shows how urgent it is to take action to stop these trends.

Objectives of the ToFEI Manual

The Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) manual has a few key goals:

• Raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco on health among students, teachers, and staff.
• Provide information on how to quit tobacco use.
• Create a healthy, tobacco-free environment in schools and colleges.

Make sure educational institutions follow the laws about tobacco use, especially regarding minors and the sale of tobacco near schools.

The government has asked all schools, colleges, and universities to use the ToFEI manual as a guide. The manual will help create a tobacco-free culture in both public and private educational institutions.

Collaborative Efforts

To make this plan successful, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will work together with officials in states and districts. This joint effort will help reduce tobacco use among young people and protect public health.

This initiative shows how committed the Indian government is to stopping the use of tobacco among youth. By raising awareness and putting stronger rules in place, they hope to secure a healthier future for the next generation.

About Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was created in India in 2003 to regulate the use of tobacco. It makes smoking in public places illegal and bans advertising tobacco products. It also requires health warnings to cover at least 85% of tobacco packaging. The Act prohibits the sale of tobacco to minors and within 100 yards of schools. State governments are responsible for enforcing these rules. The law is updated from time to time to strengthen regulations, and public health campaigns often focus on helping people quit smoking and understanding its health risks.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024

Category: Legal & Constitution Current Affairs