THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Young entrepreneurs and artists on Tuesday called for tobacco free educational institutions in the state. Speaking at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre Summit 2016, Sanjay Vijayakumar, chairman of Kochi-based Startup Village said time, energy and money spent on purchase and use of tobacco products is, in fact, a big drain on resources. He said the state spent Rs 1,514 crores annually on treatment and care of tobacco-induced cancers and other grave diseases. Music director M. Jayachandran expressed concern over the manner in which use of cigarettes and tobacco products were increasing among the youth.
Such products initiated the youngsters to drugs, and it was the duty of the society to intervene and save them, he said, stressing the need for sustained awareness campaigns. Actor Parvathy hoped the young generation would learn to explore life without getting hooked to addiction. The Indian tobacco control law COTPA 2003 prohibits smoking in educational institutions and all forms direct and indirect advertisements, promotion, and sponsorship besides prohibiting sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.
