Marking the occasion of ‘World No Tobacco Day’, a massive statewide enforcement and public awareness campaign was executed from May 22 to May 30, 2026, under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), setting new benchmarks in public health administration.

Strict Enforcement: 2,137 Challans Issued Statewide

Smt. Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, shared that the state is strictly implementing tobacco control laws. Driving a strong message of zero tolerance, drug control officers conducted extensive surprise inspections across the state. By May 29, 2026, a total of 2,137 challans were issued against violators of the COTPA provisions.

Jaipur topped the list with 290 challans, followed by Bharatpur (216), Jodhpur (202), Alwar (149), and Nagaur (130). Authorities heavily focused on enforcing the ban on smoking in public places, prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions, and clamping down on illegal tobacco advertisements.

Global Acclaim: WHO Honors Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s relentless and effective efforts have now resonated on a global platform. The World Health Organization (WHO) has honored the Rajasthan Medical and Health Department with the highly prestigious ‘World No Tobacco Day Award’ for 2026 in the South-East Asia region. This international accolade is a testament to the state’s expertise, authoritative policy implementation, and steadfast commitment to public health.

The Health Minister’s Appeal to the Youth

Highlighting this year’s WHO theme—“Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”, Health Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khinvsar made a heartfelt appeal to the public, especially the youth. He urged young citizens to stay far away from the life-threatening addictions of tobacco, cigarettes, and hookahs. Emphasizing that a healthy life is the greatest wealth, he called upon the youth to become ambassadors of change and inspire others to quit addiction.

Drug Control Commissioner Dr. T. Shubhmangala added that alongside enforcement, large-scale awareness programs and oath-taking ceremonies were successfully organized across schools, colleges, and public offices.

Robust Infrastructure for De-addiction: 500+ Centers Active

The government is not just focusing on penalties; it is providing extensive medical support to those willing to quit:

• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: On May 31, special counseling sessions are being organized across all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to assist tobacco users.
• Free Treatment & NRT: More than 500 tobacco de-addiction and counseling centers are operating up to the block level. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) has been added to the essential medicine list and is being provided free of cost up to the Community Health Centre (CHC) level.
• Success in Numbers: Between December and April 2026, over 31,669 tobacco consumers were counseled, 9,584 patients received clinical treatment, and an impressive 1,541 individuals successfully quit tobacco consumption.

Taking the Campaign to the Grassroots

Director of Public Health, Dr. Ravi Prakash Sharma, noted that the campaign has successfully transformed into a grassroots mass movement. Indicators for a ‘Tobacco-Free School’ have been strictly implemented in over 83,000 educational institutions. Furthermore, under the Ayushman Adarsh Gram Yojana, 13,744 villages have passed official resolutions for effective tobacco control, and 32,380 prominent locals have been appointed as ‘Tobacco Monitors/Ambassadors’ to drive awareness deep into rural Rajasthan.

Disclaimer: This news article is intended for informational and public awareness purposes only. The statistics and governmental guidelines cited are based on official press releases and statements from the Department of Medical, Health & Family Welfare, Rajasthan. For any health-related decisions or medical assistance regarding tobacco de-addiction, please consult a certified medical professional or visit your nearest authorized healthcare center.

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