Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh has urged officials to strictly enforce the ban on the sale of tobacco products in the vicinity of educational institutions.

At a meeting of the Tobacco Control Cell, she said that NSS officers should create awareness on the ill-effects of tobacco products. Tobacco products should not be sold within 100-metre radius of educational institutions.

“Several youngsters are falling prey to tobacco products. There is a need to create awareness among the youth. Already, programmes relating to the ill-effects of tobacco consumption were organised in schools and colleges,” Rupesh said.

She added, “Private medical colleges should set up tobacco cessation centre in the district. The ban on e-cigarette too should be implemented effectively.”