West Bengal Higher Secondary Council Takes Stand Against Smoking Gadgets

This move comes in response to an instruction from the law branch of the school education department on February 28, which was prompted by a communication from the Ministry of Education in December.

The notice from WBCHSE serves as a reminder and reinforcement of regulations regarding the use of smoking devices for all schools under its jurisdiction. It emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to curb the use of such harmful items within school premises. Furthermore, Heads of Institutions (HOIs) have been strongly urged to cease the sale of these items from stationery shops situated near schools or any educational institution.

The official notice, signed by WBCHSE president Chiranjib Bhattacharya, highlights the gravity of the situation and underscores the need for immediate action. It reads, "All HOIs are advised to take necessary action against the use of any kind of smoking gadgets like E-Cigarettes or Electronic Cigarettes on school premises, and they are further advised strictly to stop selling these kinds of harmful items from stationery shops near school or any educational institute."

This directive follows two reported complaints during this year's Higher Secondary examination, prompting the council to alert all schools about the issue. In response to these incidents, the notice has been forwarded to district inspectors to raise awareness among local administrations about the importance of restricting the sale of any harmful items from shops located near schools.

WBCHSE president Bhattacharya emphasized the critical role of high schools in imparting disciplinary knowledge to students before they proceed to higher education. He stressed the necessity of building awareness against the use of prohibited items for the brighter future of the students.

E-smoking, commonly known as vaping, involves inhaling and exhaling aerosol produced by electronic smoking devices. These devices work by heating a liquid solution, usually containing nicotine and flavorings, to create vapor. While considered an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, the long-term health effects of e-smoking are still under study.

In conclusion, the directive issued by WBCHSE underscores the commitment to ensuring a healthy and conducive learning environment for students. By taking proactive measures against the use and sale of smoking gadgets, schools aim to safeguard the well-being and future prospects of their students.