The rising prevalence of tobacco consumption and other substance abuse in educational institutions is increasingly ensnaring the younger generation.
To combat this, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has written to the Odisha government, directing it to ensure the proper implementation of the ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ across all schools, colleges, and universities. The ministry has also emphasised encouraging students to engage in sports as a preventive measure against addiction.
In a letter issued by Additional Secretary Biswaranjan Samal of the ministry’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department to state governments, deep concern has been expressed over the widespread use of tobacco among the youth.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has highlighted that the growing tobacco consumption among young people is a matter of serious concern, posing a grave challenge to the nation’s public health.
Aligning with the Government of India’s commitment to combat tobacco use and foster a tobacco-free youth, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, in collaboration with allied ministries, had previously launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign from October 2.
The primary objective of this initiative is to raise awareness among youth and children about the dangers of tobacco consumption and to promote anti-tobacco messaging in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions.
The letter urges state governments to issue necessary guidelines to all educational institutions for the effective execution of the campaign. Additionally, it calls for actively promoting sports and related activities among students, which can serve as a strong deterrent against all forms of addiction.
