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NEW DELHI – Despite a comprehensive national ban enacted seven years ago, India’s youth remain increasingly vulnerable to electronic cigarettes, leading experts and policymakers to call for a radical shift in strategy. During a high-level seminar organized by Mothers Against Vaping on Thursday, a coalition of educationists, health officials, and medical professionals warned that the 2019 prohibition is being undermined by a thriving “grey market” and a lack of awareness within the school system.
The consensus from the summit is clear: legislation alone is not a silver bullet. While the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (2019) bans the production, sale, and advertisement of these devices, the products continue to reach minors through informal channels and online platforms. Experts are now urging the government to integrate mandatory anti-vaping education into school curricula and strengthen ground-level enforcement.
The Gap Between Law and Reality
In 2019, India took a proactive stance by banning e-cigarettes, citing the need to protect the public—particularly the youth—from nicotine addiction. The law carries significant weight, including potential imprisonment and heavy fines for violators. However, six years later, the “sleek, discreet, and flavored” nature of modern vaping devices has allowed them to bypass traditional surveillance.
“The earlier view was that a child’s behavior was solely the responsibility of the school. That has changed,” said Ram Singh, Joint Director in the Ministry of Education. Singh highlighted that a new three-year “Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya” (Drug-Free Schools) action plan is being rolled out. This initiative marks a pivot toward inter-agency cooperation, involving the Narcotics Control Bureau, state police, and health departments to tackle the supply chain at its roots.
A “Modern” Trap for Developing Brains
Public health officials are particularly concerned because vaping is often marketed as a “safer” alternative to traditional cigarettes—a narrative the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly disputes.
Nicotine is highly addictive, and its impact on the adolescent brain can be long-lasting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine exposure during adolescence can disrupt the development of brain circuits that control:
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Attention and learning
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Mood regulation
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Impulse control
Furthermore, the WHO reports that there are over 16,000 unique flavors—ranging from “bubblegum” to “mango”—specifically designed to appeal to children. These products serve as a gateway, often drawing young people into nicotine use who might never have picked up a traditional cigarette.
The Clinical Toll: Heart and Lung Risks
Medical experts at the seminar emphasized that the “vapor” in e-cigarettes is not harmless water mist. Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Director of the Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology at Yashoda Medicity, noted that schools provide a critical setting for early intervention.
“Schools can play a preventive role by offering a structured setting for awareness and screening,” Dr. Gupta stated. “This approach shifts student health policy from reacting to addiction after it appears to preventing it much earlier.”
The health risks are becoming increasingly documented. A commentary in The Lancet pointed out that when vaping liquids are heated, they can produce formaldehyde and acetaldehyde—both known carcinogens. Additionally, a 2024 study reported in the Indian Express found that individuals who had ever used e-cigarettes were 19% more likely to develop heart failure compared to those who had never vaped. While the study does not definitively prove causation, it adds to a growing body of evidence regarding cardiovascular strain.
The Enforcement Challenge
The primary hurdle remains the “informal channel.” Even with a legal ban, online promotion and discreet delivery systems make it difficult for parents and teachers to monitor access.
Sushma Yadav, Chairperson of the UGC Steering Committee, and other educationists noted that existing frameworks often fail to address these new-age nicotine devices. The products are often designed to look like USB drives or pens, making them easy to hide in a classroom environment.
Limitations of Current Research
While the evidence of harm is substantial, some international debates continue. In certain Western countries, regulated e-cigarettes have been used as a smoking cessation tool for adults. However, the WHO maintains that at a population level, they have not been proven effective for quitting tobacco and instead pose a significant risk of “renicotinizing” the public, especially youth.
A Call to Action for Parents and Educators
For the general public, the takeaway is that vaping should not be dismissed as a harmless “phase.” Experts at the seminar urged a three-pronged approach:
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Vigilance: Parents should be aware of the appearance of these devices and the signs of nicotine dependence (irritability, cravings, or “stealth” use).
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Education: Schools must move beyond general “anti-drug” messaging to specifically address the chemistry and marketing of e-cigarettes.
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Support: If a child is found using these products, the response should be clinical rather than just disciplinary. Seeking help from healthcare professionals is vital for managing nicotine withdrawal.
As India moves forward with its “Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya” plan, the hope is that a combination of tighter policing and better education will finally close the gap that the 2019 ban left open.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
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Economic Times Health, “Experts flag poor implementation of anti-vaping law, seek stricter action,” April 17, 2026.
