The Ministry of Education is intensifying its efforts to establish Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) through a new nationwide enforcement drive.

This initiative, prompted by recent high-level discussions of the Narco Coordination Centre / National Narcotic Coordination Portal (NCORD) chaired by the Home Secretary, aims to bolster existing regulations that protect students from substance abuse.

The drive focuses on the strict implementation of existing laws, like banning tobacco sales within 100 yards of schools and to minors.

• It addresses rising tobacco use among young people, recognising them as a crucial demographic for India's future.

• The Ministry of Education had launched an "Implementation Manual of ToFEI" in May 2024. This new drive is about actively putting that manual and its nine specific activities (such as marking yellow lines and ensuring no shops) into practice with renewed vigor.

• Running from 31st May 2025 to 26th June 2025, the initiative will focus on implementing Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines.