The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is actively working to reduce tobacco use among young people through a combination of legislation, guidelines, awareness campaigns, and restrictions on the sale of tobacco products. This press release was issued on February 11, 2025.
Legal Framework
Section 6 of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 18 years of age and bans the sale of these products within 100 yards of any educational institution.
Guidelines and Manuals
The Ministry released revised Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) in 2019 to provide a framework for creating tobacco-free environments in schools and other educational settings. These guidelines also restrict the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, has also released a ToFEI Manual outlining nine anti-tobacco activities, with compliance monitored by State/UT Nodal Officers.
Awareness Campaigns:
Since 2023, the Ministry has conducted an annual Tobacco Free Youth Campaign to raise awareness at the grassroots level about the harmful effects of tobacco.
Ban on E-cigarettes
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes and similar devices, recognizing their potential to initiate tobacco use among youth.
Juvenile Justice Act
Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, enacted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, prohibits providing intoxicating liquor, narcotic drugs, tobacco products, or psychotropic substances to a child under 18, except by a doctor’s order. Violators face punishment under this Act.
Multi-pronged Approach
These combined efforts demonstrate the government’s multi-pronged approach to tackling tobacco use among youth. By combining legislation, educational initiatives, and awareness campaigns, the government aims to create a protective environment for young people and reduce the appeal of tobacco products. The involvement of multiple ministries and departments underscores the importance of this issue and the commitment to protecting the health of future generations.
