Signboards prohibiting tobacco sale within 100 yards of educational institutes: The appraisal of prohibition compliance and on-ground status of the COTPA Act, 2003 in Chanakyapuri Division of New Delhi Revenue District, the administrative precinct of India.

Abstract

Cigarette smoking and use of tobacco poses threat to the health of young adults and adolescents. Availability of tobacco vendors near educational institutes means higher availability to vulnerable population.  The Indian Government has enacted the Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) Act, 2003 or the COTPA Act, 2003 under a WHO resolution, which has further rules notified. Two important rules are prohibiting sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutes and installing a signboard stating prohibition to sell the same. Compliance of this was checked in 62 educational institutions in the administrative centre of India's capital, New Delhi. The compliance of both the points, especially something easy as installations of boards is poor and less than half of the institutions had implemented. Tobacco sellers within 100 yards were present. Beyond 100 yards, but within reach was also where tobacco sellers were present.  To save young adults, the compliance of COTPA, 2003 must be made strict and offenders punished severely.