Himachal to Launch 60-Day Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign

Shimla, November 5: Himachal Pradesh will launch a 60-day ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0’ to protect young people from tobacco and nicotine addiction, strengthen enforcement of tobacco control laws and promote a tobacco-free environment.

Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap announced this while chairing a district-level coordination meeting on Thursday, attended virtually by SDMs, BDOs and urban local body representatives.

Kashyap directed all departments to work in coordination, prepare a 60-day activity roster and organise regular awareness and enforcement drives. He also called for the involvement of trade associations and NGOs, adding that outstanding contributors would be recognised.

The campaign, launched nationally on October 28 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will focus on making educational institutions tobacco-free through strict implementation of ToFEI guidelines. Awareness activities will be organised in schools, colleges and other institutions, while the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of their premises will be prohibited.

Flying squads at state, district and block levels will conduct regular inspections, with a target of at least 10 enforcement drives at each level. Action will be taken against illegal tobacco sales, hookah bars, tobacco advertising and other violations. Government offices, hospitals, workplaces, public transport facilities and tourist destinations will also be covered.

The campaign will mobilise Gram Sabhas, panchayats, youth clubs, self-help groups, NCC, NSS and social organisations to promote tobacco-free villages through rallies, street plays, sports events and community awareness programmes. Special focus will be placed on tribal and remote areas, while print, electronic and social media will support publicity.

People seeking to quit tobacco will receive counselling through health services and tobacco cessation centres. They can also call the toll-free quitline **1800-11-2356**.

Kashyap administered a ‘Say No to Tobacco’ pledge to officials and directed departments to submit daily progress reports. He said campaign activities would be regularly monitored to ensure effective implementation.

Himachal Pradesh secured over 96 per cent marks under Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0 and is set to receive the ‘Best Performing State’ recognition. The Deputy Commissioner congratulated the departments concerned and urged them to achieve even better results this year.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sachin Sharma, Chief Medical Officer Dr Yashpal Ranta and District Programme Officer under the National Tobacco Control Programme Dr Rakhi Sharma attended the meeting.