In a joint effort by the Central and state governments, it has been decided to make the 54,000 schools and colleges in Chhattisgarh tobacco free.

The Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (TOFEI) will be implemented by 2023 on the basis of 11 point guidelines issued at the national level.

Chhattisgarh State Nodal Officer (Tobacco Control) Dr Kamlesh Jain said ton Sunday that the country has a youth Population of 35 percent. In the 15-39 age group, 30 percent use tobacco.

The Percentage in Chhattisgarh using tobacco and its products is 39 percent. In the 13-15 age category, 8 percent of the children use tobacco and its products.