Anupriya Patel Launches Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0, Highlights India’s Anti-Tobacco Initiatives

On Thursday, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel stated that India is leading the world in controlling tobacco depictions in films, television, and online platforms. She added that this is helping health warnings and anti-tobacco messages reach various sections of society.

Patel made this statement at an event to launch the third edition of the "Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0." The event was held both virtually and physically. Addressing the gathering, Anupriya Patel said, "Tobacco use is a serious public health challenge, and children are particularly vulnerable to it. Cigarettes, bidis, and smokeless tobacco products can lead to lifelong addiction, serious illnesses, and premature death."

She explained that the Indian government has consistently taken steps to protect people from tobacco-related health problems. She said that India has taken initiatives to regulate tobacco depictions in films, television, and online platforms, ensuring that health warnings and awareness messages reach every segment of society. She further stated that to further limit the spread of tobacco, all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship are strictly prohibited, including e-cigarettes. Large pictorial health warnings are mandatory on all tobacco product packaging, which is considered one of the strictest measures in the world.

The Minister also stated that the sale of tobacco products to children under 18 years of age and within 100 yards of educational institutions is completely prohibited. The production, sale, transportation, and storage of e-cigarettes have also been completely banned across the country. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described India's youth as the drivers of a "developed India," and in line with this vision, the Union Health Ministry launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign in 2023 to protect youth from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine.

Patel also stated that the campaign aims not only to spread awareness but also to empower youth to resist peer pressure, make informed decisions, and inspire a tobacco-free and drug-free lifestyle. He also pointed out that tobacco consumption often leads to addiction, so this campaign is also linked to the Government of India's "Drug-Free India Campaign." The Minister stated that with these two campaigns, the collective power of youth, and the vision of "Healthy India, Prosperous India," India is moving towards becoming a global leader in tobacco control and drug eradication.