Andhra Pradesh faces a serious challenge as cigarettes and gutkha continue to be sold openly near educational institutions, in clear defiance of existing laws. A recent survey found that 80% of schools and colleges in Anantapur and Chittoor districts flouted Section 6b of COTPA, which bans tobacco sales within 100 yards of any educational facility. Similarly alarming is the widespread absence of mandatory “No Smoking Area – Smoking here is an offence” signage, a violation of Section 4 of the Act.
Despite comprehensive legal provisions aimed at shielding youth from early exposure to tobacco, enforcement remains weak. The persistent availability of these products near campuses increases the risk of adolescent addiction, normalizes tobacco use, and poses long-term health dangers. Advocacy groups and health experts warn that unchecked access can lead to higher rates of oral cancers and other tobacco-related illnesses in young adults.
To uphold the spirit of the law and protect student well-being, local authorities must intensify surveillance, impose penalties, and launch awareness campaigns. Strict implementation of COTPA, coupled with frequent inspections and community engagement, is essential to deter violators and create genuinely tobacco-free educational zones across Andhra Pradesh.
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#AndhraPradesh
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#GutkhaBan
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#ProtectYouth
#CigaretteSalesBan
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#LegalEnforcement
