The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the fourth edition of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign, a 60-day nationwide initiative aimed at preventing tobacco use among young people and strengthening efforts to reduce nicotine addiction.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav launched Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The campaign will focus on preventing tobacco use, encouraging people to quit, strengthening enforcement of tobacco-control laws and promoting tobacco-free environments. Universities and colleges will receive particular attention, with educational institutions encouraged to build tobacco-free campuses and involve students in awareness activities.
According to the ministry, the three previous editions of the campaign resulted in more than 5.8 lakh educational institutions and 73,000 villages being declared tobacco-free.
Jadhav urged young people to stay away from tobacco and other addictive substances, calling for their active participation in building a healthier society. The campaign seeks to encourage students to become advocates for tobacco prevention in their institutions, families and communities.
The initiative will bring together state governments, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and enforcement agencies. Its approach combines public awareness, community participation, institutional action and enforcement of existing tobacco-control rules.
The launch programme also included educational material on the harmful effects of tobacco and a patient testimonial highlighting the impact of tobacco-related illness on individuals and families.
Health officials stressed that preventing tobacco use among adolescents and young adults is important because habits developed at an early age can have long-term consequences. Alongside awareness, the campaign aims to encourage tobacco users to seek cessation support.
The ministry has called on institutions and citizens to participate in the 60-day drive and share prevention messages through community and digital platforms.
The campaign’s impact will depend on sustained participation, effective enforcement and the ability of educational institutions and local authorities to maintain tobacco-free environments beyond the campaign period.
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