Key Update

The Health Department in Jharkhand will launch a month-long tobacco control and public awareness campaign across Jharkhand from May 26 to June 26 in connection with World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31. This year’s campaign will follow the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”

Shashi Prakash Jha, director of the Jharkhand chapter of the National Health Mission, directed civil surgeons, deputy commissioners, and district AYUSH officers to conduct awareness and enforcement activities throughout the campaign period.

Campaign to Target Youth and Tobacco Addiction

The campaign aims to educate the public, especially children, adolescents, and young people, about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products. In particular, officials said the initiative will highlight the risks of oral cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses while also encouraging people to quit tobacco addiction. Meanwhile, the Health Department will organise the drive in coordination with the education, Panchayati Raj, urban development, food safety, and information and public relations departments, along with educational institutions across the state.

Strict Enforcement Near Educational Institutions

Authorities will strictly enforce the ban on the sale of tobacco products within a 100-metre radius of schools and colleges. Officials will mark restricted zones with yellow lines and install “Tobacco-Free Zone” signboards near educational institutions. As part of the awareness programme, teams will visit at least 10 schools every week to conduct debates, quizzes, and interactive sessions on tobacco control. Authorities will also collect declaration forms from institutions complying with tobacco-free norms.

Rural Outreach and Enforcement Measures

In rural areas, officials will conduct cycle rallies, street plays, and wall-painting campaigns to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Gram Sabhas will also pass resolutions to promote tobacco-free villages. The enforcement drive will involve three-tier raiding teams, police station in-charges, and municipal squads to strengthen monitoring and curb violations across the state.

Source: The Times of India