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Himachal imposes ban on teachers smoking in schools

Shimla: With the aim to imbibe values among students, teachers in primary schools in Himachal Pradesh have been banned from smoking or consuming intoxicants in the school premises.

Teachers have also been prohibited from organising farewell parties for retiring colleagues, according to a 10-point circular recently issued by the Directorate of Elementary Education. Teachers are supposed to present a good example for the students and the guidelines are a part of this, State Education Minister I.D Dhiman said on Monday. “Moral values have been incorporated in the education code to better the academic environment,” he added. The circular, sent to the principals of the primary schools, has also instructed the authorities to impart necessary training to students in case of a natural disaster. The students should be told not to care for their bags and belongings and run out of the classroom in case of an earthquake to escape any tragedy.

The circular has also warned against making students sit on ground during cultural programmes in the school. Students should be provided with carpet during such functions and proper food arrangements should be made for them.

There are 10741 primary schools in Himachal Pradesh at present. The circular also took serious objection to the report that toilets in the schools were used by the school staff while students were forced to go to the fields for urinating.

The guidelines were formulated after a meeting held by Secretary, Primary education last month. They come close to the imposition of ban on use of mobiles in the schools. -- PTI

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Himachal imposes ban on teachers smoking in schools

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