Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Policy adopted: 2011

Previous revision: 2025

1. Policy statement

Galgotias University is committed to maintaining a healthy, safe, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable campus by providing a completely smoke-free and tobacco-free learning, working, and living environment.

The University recognizes that tobacco consumption, smoking, and exposure to second-hand smoke pose significant risks to individual and community health. In accordance with applicable national legislation and public health guidelines, the University adopts a zero-tolerance approach to smoking and tobacco consumption within its premises.

This policy supports the University's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

2. Objectives

The key objectives of this policy are to:

Ensure a 100% smoke-free and tobacco-free campus.
Protect students, employees, visitors, and other stakeholders from tobacco-related health risks and second-hand smoke.
Prevent the use, promotion, and sale of tobacco and related products within University premises.
Promote awareness of tobacco-related health risks and encourage healthy lifestyle choices.
Provide guidance, counselling, and support for individuals seeking to quit tobacco consumption.
Ensure compliance with applicable Indian legislation and national tobacco-control guidelines.
Promote environmental sustainability by reducing tobacco-related litter, pollution, and waste.

3. Scope and applicability

This policy applies to all:

Students, research scholars, teaching and non-teaching staff.
Administrative personnel and University management.
Visitors, parents, guests, and external stakeholders.
Contractors, vendors, service providers, and outsourced employees.
Participants attending University-sponsored academic, cultural, sporting, and other institutional activities.

The policy applies to all University-controlled premises, including academic buildings, administrative offices, laboratories, libraries, auditoriums, seminar halls, cafeterias, hostels, residential facilities under university control, playgrounds, sports complexes, gardens, pathways, parking areas, and University-operated vehicles.

4. Prohibition of smoking and tobacco use

Galgotias University strictly prohibits the following activities throughout its campus:

4.1 Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, bidis, cigars, hookahs, pipes, or any other combustible tobacco products is strictly prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas.

4.2 Smokeless tobacco: Consumption of chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini, zarda, and other smokeless tobacco products is prohibited within university premises.

4.3 Electronic smoking devices: The use of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and similar smoking or vaping devices is prohibited on campus. Activities involving electronic cigarettes that are prohibited under Indian law shall remain strictly forbidden.

4.4 Sale and promotion: The sale, distribution, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products are prohibited within University premises. The University shall support enforcement of the statutory prohibition on tobacco sales within 100 yards of educational institutions through coordination with the relevant authorities.

4.5 Tobacco-free events: All University-organized conferences, workshops, seminars, festivals, sports events, and institutional celebrations shall be smoke-free and tobacco-free.

4.6 No designated smoking zones: The University shall not establish or permit designated smoking areas anywhere within its campus.

5. Legal and regulatory compliance

This policy is aligned with applicable Indian laws and national guidelines, including:

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and applicable rules.
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable regulations concerning tobacco and nicotine in food products.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI).
Other applicable Government of India, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and regulatory directives.

The University shall periodically review its implementation procedures to maintain compliance with applicable legal requirements.

6. Awareness, education, and preventive initiatives

The University shall promote tobacco-free behaviour through regular educational and preventive initiatives, including:

Awareness sessions during student and employee induction programmes.
Health education workshops, expert lectures, and counselling programmes.
Observance of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May.
Awareness campaigns through posters, digital displays, social media, and institutional communications.
Student engagement activities organized through NSS, NCC, student clubs, and University departments.
Collaboration with healthcare professionals and public health organizations.

The University shall display appropriate “No Smoking” and “Tobacco-Free Campus” signage at prominent locations, including entrance gates, academic blocks, hostels, cafeterias, and common areas.

7. Tobacco cessation and wellness support

Galgotias University recognizes tobacco dependence as a public health concern and encourages individuals to seek assistance in quitting tobacco use.

The University shall facilitate access to appropriate health education, guidance, counselling, and referrals to recognized tobacco cessation services, as available.

Support services shall focus on preventive healthcare, behavioural change, and long-term well-being while respecting individual privacy and confidentiality.

8. Implementation and responsibilities

Effective implementation of this policy shall be a shared institutional responsibility.

University Administration: Oversee policy implementation, resource allocation, periodic review, and institutional compliance.

Student Welfare Department: Conduct student awareness programmes, address student-related violations, and coordinate preventive initiatives.

Human Resources Department: Communicate policy requirements to employees and incorporate relevant provisions into employee orientation programmes.

Campus Security: Monitor compliance, intervene appropriately when violations are observed, and report incidents to the designated authorities.

Health & Wellness Services: Facilitate health awareness, counselling, and tobacco cessation guidance.

Faculty members, employees, and students: Comply with the policy, promote awareness, and report observed violations through appropriate channels.

9. Monitoring, reporting, and enforcement

The University shall establish appropriate mechanisms to monitor adherence to this policy.

Violations may be reported to Campus Security, the Student Welfare Department, Human Resources, or another designated University authority.

Reports shall be handled with reasonable confidentiality, and retaliation against individuals reporting violations in good faith shall not be tolerated.

Violations may result in counselling, formal warnings, disciplinary measures, or other proportionate action in accordance with University rules and applicable laws.

Visitors and contractors who violate this policy may be instructed to discontinue the prohibited activity or leave University premises.

Where an incident involves a statutory offence, it may be referred to the competent authority for action under applicable legislation.

10. Environmental sustainability

The University recognizes the environmental consequences of tobacco consumption, including cigarette-butt litter, air pollution, plastic waste from tobacco products, and potential contamination of soil and water.

To promote environmental responsibility, the University shall:

Maintain smoke-free and tobacco-free green spaces.
Prevent tobacco-related litter and pollution.
Integrate tobacco-control awareness into campus sustainability initiatives.
Encourage responsible behaviour that supports a clean and healthy campus.

11. Documentation and institutional reporting

The University shall maintain appropriate records of policy implementation, which may include:

Policy notifications and communications.
Photographs of smoke-free and tobacco-free campus signage.
Awareness programmes and participation records.
Health education and cessation-support initiatives.
Monitoring and compliance reviews.
Corrective actions taken in response to policy violations.

Such documentation may be used for institutional quality assurance, sustainability reporting, regulatory compliance, and accreditation assessments, subject to applicable privacy requirements.

12. Policy review

This policy shall be reviewed at least once every two years or earlier if required by changes in legislation, regulatory guidelines, institutional requirements, or public health priorities.

The University Administration shall coordinate the review in consultation with relevant departments and stakeholders.