New Delhi: Government banned sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions all over the country with effect from today (Dec 1, 2004).

The ban is being implemented as part of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of advertisements and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) Act 2003, which was passed by Parliament in April 2003.

"We have written to all the State Governments regarding the ban on sale of tobacco products near educational institutions," officials in the Health Ministry said.

State Governments are to ensure that a board is put on the boundary walls of educational institutions indicating prohibition of sale of tobacco products nearby, they said adding those who do not observe this rule would be penalised.

The Government, on May 1 2004, had banned smoking in 'public places', direct and indirect advertising of all tobacco products and their sale to minors.

Last week Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss warned of "stricter" enforcement of anti-tobacco laws from January 1, 2005.

Meanwhile, Government is also working on the remaining aspects of the Act like mandatory depiction of statutory warning including pictorial warning on tobacco products and details of tar and nicotine content.