World No Tobacco Day initiatives include digital monitoring platform for schools and colleges, SOP for tobacco product sample collection
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday launched a pilot digital platform to strengthen implementation of tobacco-free norms in educational institutions and released a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tobacco product sample collection, as part of its World No Tobacco Day 2026 observance.
The initiatives, unveiled by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava at a national event under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in New Delhi, are aimed at strengthening tobacco control measures, particularly among children, adolescents and young adults.
The launch comes as India steps up efforts to address nicotine and tobacco addiction, a major contributor to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic respiratory illnesses and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Digital platform for tobacco-free educational institutions
The pilot version of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Application has been designed to support implementation and monitoring of tobacco-free norms across schools and colleges.
According to the Health Ministry, the application will facilitate:
- Self-assessment and reporting by educational institutions
- Monitoring compliance with ToFEI guidelines
- Implementation of tobacco control signage requirements
- Enforcement of the prohibition on tobacco sales within 100 yards of educational institutions
- Awareness and sensitisation activities for students and teachers
- Strengthening tobacco-free campus measures
The digital platform is intended to provide standardised monitoring, reporting and compliance assessment mechanisms for States and Union Territories, educational institutions and programme officials.
The ministry said the pilot will be rolled out in Rajasthan, Meghalaya and Maharashtra to assess operational feasibility, strengthen reporting systems and guide future nationwide expansion.
A tobacco-free educational institution is a campus that implements measures to prevent tobacco use, restrict access to tobacco products and promote awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine addiction.
New SOP aims to strengthen tobacco product regulation
Alongside the application launch, the ministry released the SOP for Sample Collection of Tobacco Products.
The document provides standardised procedures for the collection, handling, storage, transportation and documentation of tobacco product samples. The objective is to improve surveillance, regulatory compliance and quality assurance related to tobacco products.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Srivastava said strengthening regulatory and enforcement mechanisms remains a critical component of tobacco control efforts.
She said scientific sample collection, proper testing procedures and maintaining the integrity of the entire process are essential for effective enforcement and regulatory action. The SOP, she added, would help States and implementing agencies strengthen compliance and enforcement efforts through standardised procedures.
Focus on youth protection
The World No Tobacco Day 2026 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”, formed the backdrop of the event.
Ms. Srivastava said the theme was particularly relevant for protecting young people and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
She noted that tobacco and nicotine products are often designed and marketed in ways that appeal to young people through flavours, packaging, surrogate advertising and portrayals on social media and digital platforms.
Such strategies, she said, can create misleading perceptions around tobacco and nicotine use, underscoring the need for greater awareness among young people.
The Health Secretary said the two initiatives launched on Thursday reflect key elements of the government’s broader strategy to counter nicotine and tobacco addiction.
Tobacco cessation infrastructure expanded
Highlighting existing tobacco control efforts, Ms. Srivastava said more than 2,000 Tobacco Cessation Centres have been established across the country.
These centres operate through district hospitals, medical colleges, dental colleges, AYUSH institutions, NCD clinics and other healthcare facilities.
She urged educational institutions and other stakeholders to actively participate in the ToFEI pilot and provide feedback to strengthen the platform before wider implementation.
WHO theme highlights industry tactics
The World No Tobacco Day observance aligns with the theme announced by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Unmasking the Appeal : Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”.
According to the WHO campaign, tobacco and nicotine industries increasingly use appealing flavours, attractive packaging, digital marketing and misleading promotional strategies to attract young consumers.
At the event, a “No Tobacco Pledge” was administered to participants. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also enabled an online version of the pledge through the NTCP website and encouraged States, Union Territories and partner ministries to promote wider participation.
A street play performed by school students with support from HRIDAY, New Delhi, highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
Speaking at the event, Joint Secretary Prabhakar highlighted India’s continued leadership in advancing evidence-based tobacco control policies and protecting young people from emerging nicotine and tobacco products. Deputy Director General Dr L. Swasticharan reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to safeguarding children, adolescents and young adults from tobacco and nicotine addiction.
The event was attended by government officials, technical experts, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders working in tobacco control.
As India expands its tobacco control framework, the pilot ToFEI application and the new sample collection SOP are expected to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and youth-focused prevention efforts under the National Tobacco Control Programme.
