Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar launched the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 at a state-level event held at the State Agricultural Management Institute in Durgapura. During this ceremony, he administered an oath for tobacco and drug de-addiction to all participants, urging them to actively engage in efforts to combat tobacco use and contribute to making Rajasthan a tobacco-free state.
The health minister highlighted the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of the nation but expressed concern over the rising trend of smoking among teenagers, who often view it as a status symbol influenced by media portrayals. He called on young people to take proactive steps to quit tobacco addiction and emphasised the collective responsibility of society to educate youth about the dangers associated with tobacco use.
Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Gayatri Rathore, addressed alarming statistics indicating that approximately 13, 50,000 individuals die annually in India due to tobacco-related illnesses. She noted that a significant number of children and youth are falling victim to tobacco addiction, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to reduce tobacco use. Dr Bharti Dixit, Mission Director NHM, revealed the campaign’s comprehensive strategy stating, “Under Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0, various activities are planned, including public awareness programs about the harmful effects of tobacco products, establishing tobacco-free educational institutions, creating tobacco-free villages, and conducting counselling sessions across rural and urban areas. The campaign aims to leverage social media for awareness initiatives while ensuring compliance with tobacco control laws.”
The event concluded with remarks from Director IEC Shaheen Ali Khan, who thanked all attendees. The program featured a welcome address by Director Public Health Ravi Prakash Mathur, who highlighted key aspects of the campaign. Other notable attendees included Additional Commissioner Food Safety Pankaj Ojha, Director RCH Dr Sunit Ranawat, along with various officials.