The Hindu : New Delhi News : Jamia goes smoke-free

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 27, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Jamia goes smoke-free

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: When the big admission race begins this academic season, parents will now have a strong reason to pick the University of Jamia Millia Islamia over its contemporaries. Taking a strong step towards a healthier campus, Jamia has decided to stub out the smoking practice by declaring itself a smoke-free campus.

In a notice issued on Monday, Jamia declared that the ban on smoking and use of tobacco including chewing of betel and spitting would be strictly endorsed in all its academic and administrative buildings, with strict action being taken against those found violating the order.

As per the notice, smoking is now banned in classrooms, offices, campus surroundings -- even if open -- sports ground and hostel premises. Noting that the idea was not just to fulfil legal obligations but to also remind students of the adverse effects of tobacco use, the order also added a polite remark that "we care for your health and well being. Please cooperate with us".

"The decision was taken keeping in view the general trend of more and more students taking to smoking. Since the students are still in the age of habit formation, it will be easier to check the habit. The decision would mean that teachers will have set an example and so show restrain themselves," pointed out Jamia media Coordinator, S.M. Sajid.

Initiated by Jamia Vice-Chancellor, Mushirul Hasan, the University may be yet to decide on the exact punishment but senior officials say the onus will lie on teachers, as they will be responsible for enforcing the new law. Although smoking outside the prescribed campus block would be still allowed, University officials feel with the ban coming into force passive smokers will be the biggest beneficiaries.

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