Sale and consumption of tobacco may be banned within 100 yards of premises of educational institutes, but a look around the cityscape reveals an alarming number of vendors selling cigarettes and other tobacco products within the restricted zone outside schools and colleges across Noida.
Most of the vends have been found to be operating outside educational institutes in sectors 12, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 39 and 126. A number of kiosks have been set up in the vicinity of many hospitals. "Under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, selling tobacco products within 100 yards of school and college premises as well as medical institutions is prohibited," said a senior officer of the district administration. Moreover, schools and colleges are supposed to inform of any violation, but authorities allege they hardly receive any complaints.
The administration also claims that on its part they have been carrying out various campaigns to discourage tobacco use amongst youth. The most recent one has been setting up of an 'anti-smoking cell' that will penalize those who have a habit of smoking in public places. "Schools should make sure there are no shops within 100 yards of the their premises. School heads are supposed to inform authorities if shops near the school are found selling cigarettes," said a member of the district 'anti-smoking cell'. Local residents say that when they complain the kiosks are removed, but after a few days they come back. "Vendors close to educational institutions need to stop selling tobacco products, failing which they need to be taken to task very strictly," said a concerned parent residing in sector 17.
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