WB: Teachers banned from smoking

The West Bengal government has imposed several restrictions on teachers, including a ban on smoking in the presence of students and wearing 'flashy clothes' to schools.

The new code of ethics, formulated by the state board of secondary education, comes into effect this week after the state's Marxist-led government decided to ensure teachers' behaviour didn't adversely affect students.

The teacher's are also banned from taking alcoholic drinks and prohibited from gambling within the school premises.

The government also restricts them from writing books. In fact, they can do so only after getting permission from the school authorities.

The teachers, however, claim that this is an attack on their fundamental freedom of expression.

The government would ensure ways and means of monitoring the activities of teachers.