Ban on sale of tobacco products extended to school vicinity
The State government has ordered a ban on sale and use of tobacco products on school premises, as per the guidelines of the National Tobacco Control programme. 
According to the circular dated December 1, 2011 issued by the commissioner of the Public Instructions Department the rules, which prohibited sale of tobacco products within 100 metre radius of college campus, would henceforth be applicable to the schools as well.
A Mysore-based organisation, Hriday, in association with Vivekananda Youth Movement has taken up the programmes to ensure ‘tobacco-free school zone’ in Dharwad, Gadag, Mysore, Tumkur and Ramanagar districts. The commissioner has directed the department to conduct such programmes in all the primary and high schools.
As per the guidelines the schools have to put up a signboard, stating ‘tobacco-free school’ and ban sale of tobacco within 100 km radius of schools.
Even teachers restricted
Even teachers and public are not permitted to use the tobacco products within the restricted zone. The schools should also display boards cautioning people about health hazards of tobacco.
A tobacco control committee comprising parents and students should be constituted. The committee should meet once in three months and submit a report to the district administration. The use of T-shirts, accessories advertising tobacco products will also be banned.
Schools should not accept sponsorship of tobacco companies for any of its activities, the commissioner stated in the circular.
