Prohibit Use Of Electronic Cigarettes In Higher Education Institutions: UGC

Bhubaneswar: University Grants Commission (UGC) has written to vice-chancellors of all universities to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in their respective campuses.

Noting that the Government of India has already prohibited electronic cigarettes through promulgation of the “Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019, the UGC has asked the vice-chancellors to make aware students about the bad effects of e-cigarettes.

Highlighting that regular e-cigarette use is not only associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular and respiratory system, but also negatively affects the parts of brain of an average adolescent.

The other harmful and addictive effects arising out of used chemicals/ solvents in e-cigarettes are covered by blending it with attractiveness through sleek design and promotional activities. Further, these advertisements create false notion of safety which makes the children and adolescents most vulnerable to these offensive products.

“Therefore, all Higher Education institutions are requested to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in their campus and make students aware of the bad effects of e-cigarettes and the harm that nicotine in any form can do to their growing brain,” the UGC circular read.