Tobacco use remains one of the biggest public health concerns in India today. NFHS-5 data reveal that tobacco consumption in any form is approximately 29% among adults. It’s not just about cigarettes only, smokeless forms like gutkha, bidis, hookah, e-cigarettes, and other forms of tobacco continue to affect millions of lives, often silently. Despite various legal frameworks and awareness campaigns, tobacco continues to thrive in many corners of the country.
Recognizing this persistent threat, the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) has taken a significant step forward. Under the visionary leadership of core team of IAPSM, a comprehensive policy document has been developed, aiming to bring about real, actionable change. This isn’t just another set of guidelines—it’s a grounded, layered roadmap that breaks down how we can tackle tobacco use at every level of society: from individuals to institutions, and right up to the policy corridors. The document has been endorsed by NITI Ayog.
Why This Policy Document Matters:
India has long been at a crossroads when it comes to tobacco control. On one hand, we’ve got legislation like the COTPA Act and national programs in place. On the other, tobacco companies continue to find new ways to appeal to the youth, hook vulnerable populations, and skirt advertising bans.
This is where IAPSM’s policy document stands out. Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, it offers a practical action plan that can be implemented differently at each level, whether it’s a school, a village panchayat, a hospital, or a state health department.
Starting at the Individual Level:
Behavior change doesn’t begin in Parliament, rather it starts at home, in communities, in classrooms. The policy rightly places a strong emphasis on the individual and the role of personal choice, awareness, and support.
- Educating the youth is a priority. Schools and colleges are ideal platforms to talk honestly about the risks of tobacco, without preaching or fearmongering.
- The document stresses the need for easy access to cessation support, whether that’s through a family doctor, a government health facility, or helplines.
- It also promotes the idea of community champions—individuals who can lead by example and influence those around them to quit tobacco or never start.
What stands out here is the document’s emphasis on empathetic communication—not shaming users, but supporting them.
Creating Tobacco-Free Spaces in Institutions:
The policy moves beyond individuals to the settings that shape our daily lives like schools, colleges, offices, hospitals, and even public transport.
- Educational institutions are urged to become ‘tobacco-free zones’, not just by putting up signs, but by actively enforcing rules and conducting regular anti-tobacco drives.
- Workplaces are encouraged to adopt internal policies that discourage tobacco use on premises and support employees who want to quit.
- Healthcare institutions, which often witness the brutal effects of tobacco-related diseases firsthand, are asked to lead by example by going completely tobacco-free and offering cessation services.
Another noteworthy aspect is the push to involve faith-based and cultural organizations, acknowledging their unique influence in promoting healthier lifestyles.
Strengthening the System from the Top:
Of course, none of this can be truly impactful without strong backing at the policy level. The document lays out clear, focused recommendations for government bodies and law enforcement agencies to tighten the grip on tobacco.
- One major ask is to update and strengthen COTPA, including raising the minimum legal age for buying tobacco products to 21 and eliminating designated smoking areas in public places.
- The policy also calls for higher taxation on tobacco products, both to discourage use and to generate funds for health promotion activities.
- It pushes for a blanket ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, especially the subtle, indirect marketing that has found its way into movies, social media, and even packaging.
- Crucially, it stresses capacity building—training doctors, teachers, police personnel, and local administrators to effectively carry out tobacco control initiatives.
Another area the document touches on is surveillance and research. Without data, we’re flying blind. The policy advocates for regular surveys, impact assessments, and real-time feedback systems to track what’s working—and what’s not.
A Model for Collective Action:
What makes this document stand out is its tone, it doesn’t dictate; it guides. It doesn’t just highlight problems; it provides solutions that are adaptable, scalable, and culturally sensitive.
The strength of this approach lies in its multi-level strategy. Change doesn’t happen in isolation. If a young person hears anti-tobacco messages at school, sees tobacco banned at home and in the workplace, and is supported by their local doctor to quit, it creates a 360-degree environment where tobacco use simply doesn’t fit anymore.
Dr. Suneela Garg’s leadership has been pivotal in steering IAPSM toward this integrated approach. Her work reflects a deep understanding that public health isn’t about policies on paper, it’s about making them work on the ground.
The Road Ahead:
A tobacco-free India might sound like a distant dream. But this document reminds us that it’s entirely within reach—if we work together. Individuals, educators, healthcare professionals, civil society, and policymakers all have a role to play.
This isn’t just a public health issue; it’s a social justice issue. Tobacco disproportionately affects the poor, the undereducated, and the young. By acting on the recommendations in this policy, we take a meaningful step toward protecting future generations—and giving every Indian a fair shot at a healthy life.
The IAPSM policy document is not just a roadmap, it’s a movement. It’s time we all joined in.
To read the full document follow the link: https://iapsm.org/pdf/publication/TOBACCO_CONTROL.pdf
