• Tobacco use causes 1.35 million deaths yearly in India, the second-largest tobacco consumer and producer.

•  8.5% of students aged 13-15 use tobacco, partly due to easy access near schools.

• The National Tobacco Control Programme launched Tobacco Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) Guidelines.

• A ToFEI Implementation Manual was released on World No Tobacco Day 2024.

• Key activities for schools include:

1. Displaying "Tobacco Free Area" signage

2. Ensuring no tobacco use evidence on premises

3. Organizing regular tobacco control activities

4. Nominating "Tobacco Monitors"

5. Prohibiting tobacco sales within 100 yards

• Civil society involvement is encouraged for awareness through street plays, video films, talks by NGOs and experts, and National Social Service and Vidyanjali initiatives.

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