The district administration in Chitrakoot has initiated a widespread crackdown to clear tobacco, gutkha, and cigarette vendors operating near educational institutions. Launched in compliance with explicit court directives, the drive focuses on enforcing a complete prohibition on the sale of smoking and tobacco products within close proximity of school gates. District Magistrate Pulkit Garg is personally overseeing the enforcement campaign, inspecting various localities to ensure that school surroundings foster a healthy and safe environment for young students.
Strict Action Following Judicial Directives
Educational institutions are fundamental centers of learning where student futures are shaped, yet the open sale of addictive tobacco products nearby has long posed a severe threat by luring children into harmful habits. Responding to court mandates, the state government instructed all district magistrates and local authorities to strictly penalize non-compliance around educational premises. During recent site inspections in Chitrakoot, several shops were found selling tobacco products directly opposite school entrances. Taking immediate notice, District Magistrate Pulkit Garg issued stern warnings to the vendors on the spot, directing them to close down and vacate their setups.
Ten-Day Ultimatums Issued to Vendors
Administrative guidelines clearly specify that the sale of any smoking material or tobacco substance is entirely illegal within a 100-meter radius of any educational institution. To ensure a smooth transition, the administration has granted shopkeepers a strict 10-day period to voluntarily dismantle and relocate their establishments. Officials emphasized that once this 10-day window expires, stringent legal action will be initiated against any defaulting vendors. The objective is to make it unequivocally clear that non-compliance regarding student safety will incur strict penalties.
Comprehensive Drive Extended to Rural Schools
The enforcement campaign will not remain confined to urban centers within Chitrakoot. District authorities announced that rural schools across the region will undergo identical scrutiny through sustained field operations. Police personnel and designated departmental officers have been instructed to conduct routine patrols and random spot-checks near rural educational facilities. Officials believe that eliminating tobacco shops from school surroundings will eliminate negative influences, encouraging students to stay focused on their education while remaining free from substance addiction.
