Youths are the future of the nation and ensuring that they are on the right track in life is everyone’s responsibility. However, it has been found that Electronic Cigarettes are sold at convenience/and or stationary stores near educational institutions which results in easy access for young children to such products.
Taking note of this, the UGC has now appealed to raise awareness about the dangers associated with electronic cigarette use, aligning with the provisions of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019 (PECA, 2019).
Apart from this, the UGC has asked Higher Educational Institutions to conduct special drives through checking to ensure that such products are not being used.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Government of India has prohibited electronic cigarettes and like devices vide "Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019".
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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has requested the States and Union Territories for effective enforcement of the statutory provisions of the Act.