New Delhi: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2026, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava launched the pilot version of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Application and released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tobacco product sample collection. The initiatives were unveiled during a national event under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) at Kartavya Bhawan.
The initiatives aim to strengthen India’s tobacco control framework and protect children and youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
ToFEI App to Strengthen Tobacco-Free Schools and Colleges
The newly launched ToFEI Application is a digital platform designed to improve monitoring and implementation of tobacco-free norms in educational institutions across the country.
The app enables:
- Self-assessment and reporting by schools and colleges
- Monitoring compliance with ToFEI guidelines
- Enforcement of tobacco control signage requirements
- Ensuring ban on tobacco sale within 100 yards of institutions
- Awareness and sensitisation activities for students and teachers
- Strengthening tobacco-free campus enforcement
The platform will help States, Union Territories, and institutions ensure standardized reporting and better compliance tracking.
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Pilot Project to Be Tested in Three States
The ToFEI app will be piloted in Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra. The pilot phase will assess its operational feasibility and help improve reporting and monitoring systems before a nationwide rollout.
Officials said the initiative is expected to improve accountability and promote healthier, tobacco-free environments in schools and colleges.
SOP Released for Tobacco Product Sample Collection
On the same occasion, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the collection of tobacco product samples.
The SOP provides clear guidelines for:
- Sample collection and handling
- Storage and transportation
- Documentation and testing procedures
The aim is to ensure consistency, reliability, and scientific accuracy in tobacco product surveillance and regulatory enforcement.
Government Focus on Stronger Tobacco Control Enforcement
Speaking at the event, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted that tobacco and nicotine products are often marketed in attractive ways targeting youth through flavours, packaging, and digital advertising.
She stressed the need for stronger awareness and enforcement to prevent young people from falling into addiction.
She also underlined that tobacco use is a major cause of:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Stroke
- Chronic respiratory illnesses
- Other non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
India’s Tobacco Control Infrastructure Expanding
The Health Secretary noted that India has established over 2,000 Tobacco Cessation Centres across district hospitals, medical colleges, AYUSH institutions, and healthcare facilities to support quitting efforts.
She urged educational institutions to actively adopt tobacco-free practices and participate in the pilot phase of the ToFEI application.
WHO Theme Aligns with India’s Campaign
This year’s observance aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) theme:
“Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
The campaign highlights how tobacco companies use marketing tactics such as flavours, packaging, and social media promotion to attract young users.
Nationwide Participation and Awareness Activities
A No Tobacco Pledge was administered during the event, with participation from senior officials, healthcare professionals, civil society groups, and students.
As part of awareness activities, students also performed a nukkad natak highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco use, organized with support from HRIDAY, New Delhi.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Tobacco-Free India
Officials emphasized that the new initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy to reduce tobacco use and protect future generations.
The government called on all stakeholders—including states, institutions, and communities—to strengthen collective efforts toward building a tobacco-free and healthier India.
