NEW DELHI: With the ban on smoking in public places coming into effect from Thursday, university campuses across the country are set for a real testing time.
University authorities are yet to formulate concrete plans on how to enforce the ban on campuses, which are “breeding grounds” for future smokers. Institutes like Jawaharlal Nehru University and Delhi University in the national capital have banned smoking much before the government’s notification. However, the effect of such measures are yet to be seen. “Delhi University had already banned smoking a year ago. But I find students smoking even in front of patrolling police personnel,” said Sonia, a law student of Delhi University. “I don’t think the ban by the Centre is going to make any difference on the campus,” she said. JNU Campus Development Committee chairman Manoj Pant said the university has banned smoking in the academic complex, classrooms and libraries.
“After the ban from October 2, the issue is whether students can smoke in the hostels,” he said. “We will put out circulars everywhere and ban smoking in common rooms and games rooms. But we are not sure if the ban extends to hostel rooms and it will be difficult to impose such a ban there,” he added.
DUSU president Nupur Sharma appeared optimistic about banning smoking on campuses. “Last year, we put a ban on smoking. So the fresh ban by the government will not make much of a difference. But now, anyone can be fined for smoking at a public place. This will make the ban more effective,” she said.
As per the government notification, smoking is banned at public places such as hospitals, offices, educational institutes and libraries among others.
