Mumbai, March 1 - Concerned over the growing tobacco product consumption among the youths, the Maharashtra government has decided to introduce a tobacco awareness course as a subject in schools, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said here Thursday.

The topics dealing with tobacco's ill-effects on public health and related aspects will be included in the school curriculum for Classes 5-10, according to Pawar.

He made the announcement while chairing a high-level meeting on the issue with top officials and representatives of Salaam Bombay Foundation and Maharashtra United Against Killer Tobacco Campaign.

"Consumption of tobacco and tobacco products like cigarettes, gutkha, paan or tobacco-laced paan masalas is increasing the risk and incidence of cancer, especially among the youths, creating a horde of social and health issues. With a view to arresting this trend, we shall soon introduce the subject of tobacco awareness at the school level," Pawar said.