Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) implementation in education institutions in India: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer and other non-communicable diseases and is the single largest cause of preventable deaths worldwide causing premature death. There are various laws and legislations for tobacco control in India. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 was enacted in 2004 but is not enforced rigorously. The aim of this study was to determine any violation of COTPA Section 4 (prohibition of smoking in public places) around educational institutions and Section 6b (prohibition of sale of tobacco products near educational institutions). METHODS A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in 307 schools and colleges selected across 12 districts in 5 states in India. Data were collected by the tobacco control coordinators. From the centre of the city, the coordinators travelled in four different directions to a maximum distance of 10 km radius. Along the path, any educational institutions that were encountered were surveyed for violation of COTPA Sections 4 and 6b. RESULTS Out of 307 schools surveyed across the five states, an average of 85% of the schools violated Section 4 and an average of 69% violated Section 6b. CONCLUSIONS A coordinated effort by all stakeholders, especially by the police, educational institutions, and the community, is required. Adherence to the guidelines on Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions can improve the implementation of COTPA in and around educational institutions.