Shimla: The Deputy Director of Higher Education, Shimla, has directed all government and private educational institutions in the district to strictly implement the guidelines of the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) initiative and complete the compliance process by May 30, 2026.
In an official communication issued to heads of educational institutions, authorities stated that schools and colleges must adhere to all prescribed anti-tobacco norms adopted by the Himachal Pradesh government.
As per the directions, institutions have been asked to prominently display “Tobacco Free Area” and “Tobacco Free Educational Institution” signboards both inside and outside campuses. Educational institutions have also been instructed to ensure that campuses remain completely free from any evidence of tobacco use.
The guidelines further mandate awareness campaigns highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco, along with the organisation of at least one tobacco-control activity within the stipulated period.
Institutions have also been directed to appoint a Tobacco Monitor and publicly display the details. Authorities stressed the inclusion of “No Tobacco Use” norms in institutional codes of conduct.
Among other measures, schools must mark a 100-yard tobacco-free zone around campuses and ensure that no shop selling tobacco products operates within the restricted area.
The department has also asked institutions to complete self-assessment scorecards and maintain all necessary records and documentary evidence for verification by concerned authorities.
Officials said soft copies of the guidelines have already been circulated through official WhatsApp groups and the matter should be treated as “most urgent.”
