Union Minister Launches ‘Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0’ and Inaugurates Tobacco Cessation Centres

New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, launched the second edition of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 at a hybrid event held at Lady Hardinge Medical College today. The campaign, aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of India’s youth from the harmful effects of tobacco, was accompanied by the virtual inauguration of Tobacco Cessation Centres in medical institutions across the country.

In his address, Jadhav underscored the severe toll tobacco takes on India, noting that “every year, around 13 lakh people lose their lives due to tobacco use.” He expressed concern about the growing trend of tobacco becoming a fashion statement among youth, warning of its link to dangerous diseases like cancer.

Motivating young people to prioritize their health, he emphasized, “Good health is intrinsically related to one’s own and their loved ones’ happiness.” Jadhav further linked the development of the nation to the health of its young population and urged everyone to pledge against tobacco use. He also called on elders to play an active role in preventing youth from falling into the trap of tobacco addiction.

This year’s 60-day campaign focuses on five key areas:

1. Raising public awareness about the dangers of tobacco, especially among youth and rural communities.
2. Improving compliance with revised guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), aiming to keep schools and colleges tobacco-free.
3. Strengthening the enforcement of tobacco control laws, including COTPA 2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, to limit youth access to tobacco.
4. Promoting Tobacco-Free Villages, encouraging communities to collaborate for healthier environments.
5. Boosting social media outreach, using digital platforms to spread messages about the harms of tobacco and the benefits of quitting.

The event saw the participation of renowned celebrities and influencers, including Aparshakti Khurana, Manu Bhaker, Navdeep Singh, Ankit Baiyanpuria, Gaurav Chaudhary, and Janhvi Singh, who shared motivational insights. All attendees took the ‘Say No to Tobacco’ pledge, followed by a photo session with students and public figures.

As part of the campaign, an educational video by WHO was launched to be distributed across schools, raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Additionally, three key guidelines were released: the Health Workers Guide, SOPs for Villages to be Tobacco-Free, and Guidelines for Law Enforcers for Effective Implementation of Tobacco Control Laws 2024. A powerful testimonial video by the Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV), featuring cancer survivors sharing their experiences, was also showcased.