Andhra Pradesh has unveiled a comprehensive action plan for a 60-day initiative called ‘Tobacco-Free Youth’ aimed at educating the public about the detrimental effects of tobacco. The primary objective of this campaign is to promote adherence to the ‘Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)’ initiative and strengthen enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Prohibition Act (COTPA 2003).

This campaign will be part of the larger Tobacco Free Villages movement, which coincides with the observance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. Given that Andhra Pradesh is a significant tobacco-producing state, with Guntur serving as its main trade hub, this initiative carries considerable importance.

Vidadala Rajani, the Health Minister, emphasized that the government is spearheading a public awareness drive to encourage students across educational institutions to take a pledge against tobacco consumption. As part of this effort, designated teachers, staff, and students will serve as Tobacco Monitors, organizing various activities such as essay writing, painting, creating posters, conducting quizzes and debates to underscore the dangers associated with tobacco use. Furthermore, discussions will be held during school assemblies, school rallies, and Prabhat Pheris.

To further reinforce the campaign, a ‘Yellow Line’ will be demarcated near schools to signify the tobacco-free zone. Additionally, enforcement drives will be conducted within a 100-yard radius of each school. Various measures have been planned to support these efforts, including the placement of statutory signs pertaining to sections 4 and 6 of the COTPA, intensified enforcement drives in areas of high tobacco usage, issuing fines for smoking in public places, removal of tobacco advertisements from point-of-sale locations, and confiscation of tobacco products lacking the mandatory health warnings.

The action plan also includes special Grama Sabha meetings aimed at raising awareness among key stakeholders in each village, including members of the gram panchayat, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), self-help groups (SHGs), youths, and farmers.

Furthermore, ‘Tobacco-Free Village’ declaration ceremonies will be organized at the request of local political leaders, panchayat heads, and public representatives. The Gram Sabhas and Village Councils will play a crucial role in monitoring tobacco control activities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their tobacco-free status.

Minister Rajani highlighted that Andhra Pradesh observes World No Tobacco Day every year on May 31. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2023 is ‘We Need Food, Not Tobacco,’ emphasizing the need to prioritize nutrition over tobacco consumption.