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India has witnessed a sharp reduction in tobacco consumption among women and school-going children in recent years, according to the latest government data. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released statistics highlighting the effectiveness of national anti-tobacco campaigns and enforcement measures.
Key Findings
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Among Women: Tobacco use has dropped notably from 20.3% to 14.2% among women aged 15 and above, as per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) rounds I (2009-10) and II (2016-17).
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Among School Children: There is a marked decrease in tobacco usage among students aged 13–15, with rates falling from 14.6% in 2009 (Global Youth Tobacco Survey-3) to 8.5% in 2019 (Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4).
Government Measures to Curb Tobacco Use
The Ministry attributes these positive trends to several targeted actions:
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Legislation: The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003), prohibits smoking in public spaces, bans sales to and by minors, restricts tobacco sales near educational institutions, curtails advertising, and mandates health warnings on all packaging.
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National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): Launched in 2007, NTCP focuses on increasing public awareness, consistent anti-tobacco campaigns, and ensuring compliance with the law.
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Tobacco Free Youth Campaign: An annual 60-day initiative educates young people about tobacco’s dangers and encourages them to resist or quit.
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Ban on E-Cigarettes: The government has fully prohibited the production, sale, and distribution of electronic cigarettes and similar products under the 2019 legislation.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, presented these developments in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on official data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and does not constitute medical or legal advice. For personal health concerns or detailed regulations, consult official sources or qualified professionals.
