All Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across India have been directed to ensure they are tobacco-free to prevent youth access to tobacco, officials said on Tuesday.

The Kendriya Vidyalya Sangathan has directed all the 1,087 schools across India under it make their campuses and surroundings tobacco-free.

“The order directs the deputy commissioners to ensure that KVs functioning under their jurisdiction adhere to the rules and also prevent use of tobacco by students, teachers and non-teaching staff in  school premises during and after the school hours,” the official said. Schools welcomed the move, saying it will protect youths from exposure to tobacco.

Global Youth Tobacco Survey, India Report 2009 shows that nearly 15 per cent Indian youths in the age group of 13-15 years currently use tobacco in one form or the other.