Govt. Strict for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions

Posted on: 21 SEP 2024 at 5:28 PM by PIB Delhi// Ministry of Education//Azadi ka Amrit mahotsavg20-india-2023

Issued Joint Advisory to States/UTs for Effective Implementation

Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health also issued Guidelines and Manual

New Delhi: 21st September 2024: (PIB Delhi//Education Screen Desk)::

In a significant move to combat tobacco use among youth, the Secretaries of the Union Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have jointly issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories. The advisory, addressed to Chief Secretaries, calls for the rigorous implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) manual, in line with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 in educational institutions.

This joint advisory, signed by the Secretaries of the Department of School Education, the Department of Higher Education, and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, underscores the alarming effects of tobacco consumption, particularly on children and adolescents. It draws attention to the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, which revealed that 8.5% of school students aged 13 to 15 in India consume tobacco in various forms. Of particular concern is the fact that over 5,500 children in India begin using tobacco every day. Moreover, 55% of lifelong tobacco users initiate the habit before the age of 20, with many adolescents turning to other addictive substances as a result.

The advisory emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders to safeguard young people from the dangers of tobacco addiction. The goal is to protect future generations by raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use and promoting tobacco control measures within educational institutions.

As part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, released the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines for safeguarding minors and youth from tobacco and electronic cigarette use. Further, the Department of School Education and Literacy has developed and launched the ToFEI Implementation Manual on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) in collaboration with Socio Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS). The Department issued the manual on 31st May 2024 to all States/UTs for compliance.

The ToFEI manual serves as a key resource for educational institutions to implement these anti-tobacco measures effectively. The manual outlines the following objectives:

i.    More awareness about the harmful effects and long-term health impact of tobacco use amongst the students, teachers, workers and officials in educational institutions;

ii.   Awareness about various avenues available for tobacco cessation;

iii.  A healthy and tobacco-free environment in educational institutions and all educational institutions becoming tobacco-free; and

iv.  Better implementation of legal provisions regarding the sale and use of tobacco products, especially those related to educational institutions, public places, statutory warnings and minors.  

The advisory encourages educational institutions including schools at all levels, colleges for higher or professional education and universities, both in the public and private sector to adopt the ToFEI manual and guidelines as a comprehensive guide to safeguard the health and well-being of students.

Through collaborative efforts, the government aims to reduce tobacco use among children and prevent future generations from falling prey to addiction. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will work closely with state and district-level officials to ensure these measures are effectively implemented in educational institutions.

URL to access the Implementation Manual for ToFEI Manual: https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/update/im_tofel.pdf

URL to access the ToFEI Guidelines:

https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/assets/document/TEFI-Guidelines.pdf

*****//SS/AK//रिलिज आईडी: 2057347) 

Written Part Result Announced

08-February-2013 19:33 IST
UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination Exam,2012
The result of the written part of the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFS), 2012 has been announced and the same is available on the Commission’s website  http://www.upsc.gov.in The written test was held by the  UPSC in July 2012. The candidature of all these candidates is PROVISIONAL subject to their being found eligible in all respects.  

The candidates would be required to produce the original certificates in support of their claims relating to age, educational qualification, community etc.  at the time of  the  Personality Test.  Therefore they are, advised to keep the said certificates ready.

In accordance with the Rules of the examination, all these candidates are required to fill up the  Detailed Application Form (DAF),  which is available on the Commission’s website http://www.upsc.gov.in.  All the qualified candidates are required to fill up the DAF and submit the same ON LINE.     The DAF will be available on the website of the Commission till 24-02-2013.  Important Instructions regarding filling up of the DAF and submitting the same ONLINE to the Commission are also available on the website.     The qualified candidates are further advised to refer to the Rules of the Indian Forest Service Examination, 2012 published in the gazette of India, dated 14-20th April , 2012, which is also available on the website of the Commission.
       
The candidates who have been declared successful have to first get themselves registered on the relevant page of the website before filling up the ONLINE Detailed Application Form . The candidates are required to bring in person  an ink signed copy of the printout of DAF alongwith their photograph and all relevant documents on the day of Interview.  

Interview of Candidates who have qualified for the Personality Test are tentatively scheduled to commence from  25th February, 2013.  The exact date of interview will, however, be intimated to the candidates through Interview Letter/e-mail.  Roll Number wise Interview Schedule will also be made available on Commission’s Website in due course. The  candidates are advised to check their e-mail also for further information.
       
No request for change in the date and time of Personality Test intimated to the candidates will be entertained under any circumstances.    

“The mark-sheet of candidates who have not qualified, will be put on the Commission’s Website within 15 days from the date of publication of the  final result ( after conducting Personality Test) and will remain available on the website for a period of 60 days.”
       
The candidates can access the marks-sheets after keying in their Roll Numbers and date of birth.  The printed/hard copies of the marks-sheet would, however, be issued by UPSC to candidates based on specific request accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.  Candidates desirous of obtaining printed/hard copies of the marks-sheet should make the request within thirty days of the display of the marks on the Commission’s Website, beyond which such requests would not be entertained.
       
The result will also be available on the U.P.S.C.’s Website http://www.upsc.gov.in.
       
The Union Public Service Commission have a Facilitation Counter at its campus.   Candidates may obtain any information/clarification regarding their examination/ result on working days between 10.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. in person or over telephone Nos. (011)-23385271/23381125/23098543 from this counter.

Click here to see Result

KSD/DS/BS

PM Manmohan Singh with CM Mamata Banerjee

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, during the inauguration of the 100th Session of Indian Science Congress, in Kolkata on January 03, 2013. (PIB)
                                                                                               03-January-2013

Indian Science Congress, in Kolkata

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Governor of West Bengal, Shri M.K. Narayanan, the Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy and the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Kumari Mamata Banerjee at the inauguration of the 100th Session of Indian Science Congress, in Kolkata on January 03, 2013.   (PIB)                                          03-January-2013

Tightening of Norms of Clinical Trials

04-December-2012 12:56 IST

Courtesy Photo

Rules are made or amended by the Central Government in consultation with the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) as per the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics  Act, 1940 and the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945.  A Statement containing various steps taken / being taken for strengthening of the provisions for conduct of clinical trials in the country is annexed.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) headed by the Drug Controller General (India) [DCG(I)] has six zonal offices and four sub-zonal offices in  different parts of the country for undertaking various activities as per the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules made thereunder, including overseeing clinical trials of new drugs conducted by the drug companies.Annexure
           The following measures have so far been taken by the Government for strengthening the regulatory provisions for clinical trials in the country:
a) MEASURES TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN REGULATION OF CLINICAL TRIALS:
Ø  12 New Drug Advisory Committees (NDAC) consisting of experts from the government medical colleges, institutes from all over the country have been constituted. Fresh applications of clinical trial proposals of new drug substances excluding Investigation New Drugs (INDs) are being evaluated by these Committees.
Ø  All IND applications are evaluated by the IND committees.  
Ø  Registration of clinical trial in ICMR registry has been made mandatory since 15.6.2009.
Ø  Every approval / permission for conducting clinical trials now includes a condition that in case of study related injury or death, applicant will provide complete medical care as well as compensation for the injury or death and statement to this effect should be incorporated in the informed consent form. Further in case of such injury or death, the details of compensation provided should be intimated to the office of DCG (I).
Ø  Guidelines for conducting Clinical Trial inspection of site and sponsor / Clinical Research Organisations (CRO) have been prepared and posted on the website of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).b)     MEASURES BEING TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN REGULATION OF CLINICAL TRIALS
1.      Draft Rule and guidelines and requirement for registration of CRO have already been notified.  
2.      Draft rules for incorporation / amendments of following proposals in Drugs and Cosmetics Rules related to clinical trials have been notified.:
Ø  To incorporate a new rule for provisions for payment of compensation in case of clinical trial related injury or death
Ø  To incorporate New Appendix in Schedule-Y mentioning the procedures and methods of providing compensation.
·         Compensation will be borne by the sponsor or his representative.
·         Sponsor or his representative shall prove before the Ethics Committee that the injury or death is not due to clinical trial within 30 days; failing which they shall be liable to provide the compensation within 60 days as decided by the Ethics Committee.·         Claims made by the subject shall be settled within 90 days.
Ø  To amend the informed consent format to capture the details of address, qualification and occupation, and annual income of the subject.
Ø  To amend patient information sheet to mention that the applicant will provide compensation in case of trial related injury or death.
Ø  To expand responsibilities of investigators to ensure that:
·         The investigator informs the trial subject about his / her rights to claim compensation in case of in trial related injuries on death. ·         Information is provided about the contact details of representatives of Sponsors / CRO and Ethics Committee.
Ø  To expand the responsibilities of Sponsor:
·         Sponsor shall make payment for treatment and also provide compensation.·         The details of compensation provided shall be submitted to the DCG (I) within 90 days.
3.      Following proposals to amend the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules related to clinical trials have been considered and approved by DTAB.:
Ø  To incorporate Rule
·         To have authority for clinical trial inspection by CDSCO assisted by concerned state authority.·         To take administrative actions like suspension / cancellation of clinical trial permission, restriction of investigator, sponsor / CRO to conduct future clinical trial in case of non-compliance.
Ø  Registration of Ethics Committee
·         To incorporate Rules and Schedule  Y- 2 for registration of Ethics Committee –
·         Quantity of compensation in case of trial related injury or death to be decided by Ethics Committee as per prescribed Guidelines.Ø  To incorporate amendment in Schedule-Y specifying that clinical trials are required to be conducted at sites which have their own Ethics Committee. However, for conduct of Bio-availability & Bio-equivalence study of drug approved in the country and / or elsewhere (for new drug approval purpose), Ethics Committee approval may be obtained from Independent Ethics Committee of same areas where the site is located.
This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a  question in the Rajya Sabha today. (PIB)
BN/HB/AS
----------------

The issue related to import of Beagle Dogs

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressing the media

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressing the media on the issue related to import of Beagle Dogs, after her visit to Animal Quarantine and Certification Station at Pallikaranai near Chennai on December 01, 2012.                                  (PIB)                              01-December-2012

International Literacy Day -2012 Function

Vice President Confers National Literacy Award

The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari addressing during the interaction with students of Integral University, in Lucknow on September 08, 2012. (PIB Photo)

The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari and his wife Smt. Salma Ansari being received by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Shri B.L. Joshi and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Akhilesh Yadav, at Amausi airport, Lucknow on September 08, 2012.(PIB)

The Vice President of India, Shri M Hamid Ansari has said that literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means of social and economic development. It is one of the most important parameters for gauging, in conjunction with other social parameters, the development of a society.  Addressing   after conferring “ National Literacy Awards” at a function  to mark International Literacy Day- 2012 organised by the National Literacy Mission Authority in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) today, he expressed his concern that we have the largest number of non-literates in the world. Our literacy rate of 74 percent, achieved in the last decade, is much below the world average of 84 per cent and is in sharp contrast to what has been achieved by some Asian countries like China, Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
He said that we consoled ourselves with the fact that our national literacy rate at the time of independence was a little over 12 percent and that significant progress has been made since with the literacy rate going up to 52 in 1991, 65 in 2001 and 74 in 2011. It is also evident that the vast treasures of knowledge dispensed by our sages and scholars down the ages emanated from a very narrow base in numerical terms.  
Shri Ansari opined that the Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Minorities together constitute 44 per cent of our population. The socio-economic development of women largely depends upon their literacy level. Literacy of women thus plays a critical role in their empowerment. The Saakshar Bharat programme, therefore, gives special emphasis on women literacy.  It is to be noted that while the male literacy rate has increased from 75 to 82.14 per cent during the last decade, the female literacy rate in the same period has increased from 53.67 to 65.46 percent.  This has reduced the gender gap from 21 to 16 percent. 
Applauding the efforts the ‘Saakshar Bharat programme’, he said that this programme  is being implemented in 372 out of 410 eligible districts spread across 25 States and one Union Territory. Adult Education Centres have been set up in one lakh Gram Panchayats and around 570 lakh non literates have been identified through door to door survey. Literacy classes have started functioning in 16 lakh Centres covering around 174 lakh learners. Out of these, around 144 lakh learners have been certified as literates in the assessment tests conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling.
The Vice President said that development of Adult Education in India depends upon the adaptability of the literacy mission to the emerging changes in all segments of the economy.  Instead of functioning as a transient agent, the mission needs to take shape of a regular and permanent mechanism. Such mechanism is to be established and continued not only at the level of various administrative authorities, but also at the levels of the civil society organizations, social partners, private sector, community and adult learners’ and educators’ organizations. The success of the programme would also largely depend upon how effectively it is implemented by the Local Self-Government bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions.  
Following is the text of the Vice President’ address :
“I am happy to be here today, in the historic city of Lucknow, to participate in this function to mark the International Literacy Day 2012, organized by the National Literacy Mission Authority. It is an important event in our calendar, an occasion for rejoicing for the work done, as also for introspection about the distance still to be traversed. Needless to say, literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means of social and economic development. It is one of the most important parameters for gauging, in conjunction with other social parameters, the development of a society.  
Allow me to mention a disturbing fact. We have the largest number of non-literates in the world. Our literacy rate of 74 percent, achieved in the last decade, is much below the world average of 84 per cent and is in sharp contrast to what has been achieved by some Asian countries like China, Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. We console ourselves with the fact that our national literacy rate at the time of independence was a little over 12 percent and that significant progress has been made since with the literacy rate going up to 52 in 1991, 65 in 2001 and 74 in 2011. It is also evident that the vast treasures of knowledge dispensed by our sages and scholars down the ages emanated from a very narrow base in numerical terms.  
The paradox is that within our own country, uneven progress in the promotion of literacy has been made and wide disparities are noticeable. Thus Kerala has almost 100 percent literacy. Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram have made remarkable progress. On the other hand, some other states record well below the national average. When this is viewed in conjunction with other social indicators like infant mortality and life expectancy, the linkage between literacy and quality of life become evident.
This audience is well aware of the steps taken in the past decade to promote literacy in all age groups in our population. The Constitution (Eighty sixth) Amendment of 2002 and the Right to Education Act of 2009 address the problem at the base of the age pyramid. For those in the higher age groups - 15 to 34 and 35 to 59, together constituting about 67 percent of the population, and particularly its weaker and disadvantaged segments - specific initiatives were required to address the prevalence of non-literates.
This was the purpose of the National Literacy Mission with its objective of imparting functional literacy to all persons in the age group 15 to 35, defined as acquiring the skill of reading, writing and arithmetic and the ability to apply them to one’s daily life and thereby ameliorate their condition by participating in the process of development.  
Experience showed the need for further refinement and sharper focusing. Three years ago, on this day, the Saakshar Bharat, the new variant of National Literacy Mission, was launched by the Government.  The prime focus of the Mission is to establish a fully literate society through improved quality and standard of Adult Education and Literacy.
The purpose of the Mission is to impart functional literacy to 70 million adults in the age group of 15 years and above focusing mainly on women, SCs, STs, Minorities and other disadvantaged groups of the society in rural areas.  The Programme is being implemented in the Mission Mode with institutional framework at national, state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels. The institution of Adult Education Centre at the Gram Panchayat level is the backbone of the Programme.
The rationale of this emphasis is evident. Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Minorities together constitute 44 per cent of our population. The socio-economic development of women largely depends upon their literacy level. Literacy of women thus plays a critical role in their empowerment. The Saakshar Bharat programme, therefore, gives special emphasis on women literacy.  It is to be noted that while the male literacy rate has increased from 75 to 82.14 per cent during the last decade, the female literacy rate in the same period has increased from 53.67 to 65.46 percent.  This has reduced the gender gap from 21 to 16 percent. 
I am happy to learn that the Saakshar Bharat programme is being implemented in 372 out of 410 eligible districts spread across 25 States and one Union Territory. Adult Education Centres have been set up in one lakh Gram Panchayats and around 570 lakh non literates have been identified through door to door survey. Literacy classes have started functioning in 16 lakh Centres covering around 174 lakh learners. Out of these, around 144 lakh learners have been certified as literates in the assessment tests conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling.
While quantitative data makes impressive reading, some questions do need to be asked about the quality of literacy imparted. How do we ensure it? If stagnation and quality deficit in educational outputs remain a fact of life, how do we ensure that it will bring forth capacity building and eventual employability?  Since this programme is in a mission mode, how do we ensure continuity once the mission is concluded? 
To take this initiative further, we need to gear up the machinery at all levels i.e. National Literacy Mission Authority, State Literacy Mission Authorities, Lok Shiksha Samities in Districts, Blocks and Gram Panchayats.  The implementation structure needs to be consolidated and strengthened with involvement of not only the Government Authorities but also eminent organisations in the Non-Government and Private Sector.
Furthermore, development of Adult Education in India depends upon the adaptability of the literacy mission to the emerging changes in all segments of the economy.  Instead of functioning as a transient agent, the mission needs to take shape of a regular and permanent mechanism. Such mechanism is to be established and continued not only at the level of various administrative authorities, but also at the levels of the civil society organizations, social partners, private sector, community and adult learners’ and educators’ organizations. 
The success of the programme would also largely depend upon how effectively it is implemented by the Local Self-Government bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions.  
Finally, we need to create more public awareness and public opinion in favour of our battle against illiteracy. It is the tyranny of circumstances rather than free choice that makes a person non-literate. It is the duty of society to change the conditions in which illiteracy prospers. 
Let us not forget that literacy today, with a focus on quality, is essential for social, economic and cultural development of our people and towards the creation of a knowledge society. I urge every citizen to take up this challenge and contribute to free India from the clutches of illiteracy.”  (PIB)  08-September-2012 15:35 IST      *****