In a sweeping move to protect young minds from harmful influences, the Tamil Nadu government has intensified its crackdown on the sale of tobacco near educational institutions. As part of an aggressive public health push, officials are now conducting joint inspections to enforce anti-tobacco laws around schools and colleges statewide.
In an official statement, the government announced the formation of 391 joint task forces made up of personnel from the Tamil Nadu Police, Food Safety and Standards Department, and Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. These teams are carrying out regular raids and inspections to ensure full compliance with state and central anti-tobacco regulations.
The sale, transport, storage, and manufacture of products like gutkha, pan masala, Cool Lip, and other forms of chewable tobacco remain banned in the state under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This statewide enforcement blitz began in November 2023 and has since gained significant momentum.
Massive Seizures and Fines
So far, the Food Safety Department has inspected over 5.2 lakh shops and transport vehicles, identifying 13,642 that were illegally selling banned tobacco items. Authorities have confiscated a staggering 1.8 lakh kilograms of contraband, including over 5,200 kg of Cool Lip, and levied fines totaling Rs 39.14 crore on violators.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Police have registered over 43,000 cases, seizing an additional 4.1 lakh kilograms of illegal tobacco products. These measures underline the state’s zero-tolerance approach toward protecting student welfare and public health.
A Call for Public Support
Reaffirming its commitment on World No Tobacco Day, the state government urged the public to actively support the campaign and help build tobacco-free zones around learning environments. “This is not just a legal effort — it’s a moral one. We owe it to our children to keep their schools and colleges safe from harmful substances,” a government representative said. By combining rigorous enforcement with public outreach, Tamil Nadu aims to send a clear message: tobacco has no place near our classrooms.
