India Launches ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ to Protect Students’ Health Nationwide

Image Source: DD News

On October 9, 2025, the Centre will roll out the 60-day ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ to combat rising tobacco use among students. Led by the Ministries of Education and Health, the initiative promotes wellness, enforces tobacco-free zones, and empowers youth through awareness, counselling, and community engagement across educational institutions.

‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ Begins: A Nationwide Push for Student Wellness

In a decisive move to curb tobacco use among India’s youth, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is launching the 60-day ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ (TFYC 3.0) on October 9, 2025. The campaign aims to educate, empower, and protect students from the harmful effects of tobacco and substance abuse.

Key Highlights from the Campaign Announcement:

Public Health Imperative: Tobacco use claims over 13 lakh lives annually in India. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-2019) revealed that 8.4% of students aged 13–15 currently use tobacco, with the average age of initiation being just 10 years.

Multi-Ministerial Strategy: TFYC 3.0 adopts a whole-of-government approach, combining awareness, prevention, and enforcement to address youth vulnerability.

Core Activities Planned:

Enforcement drives to ensure compliance with Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines

Workshops for school heads, NSS/NCC volunteers, and teachers

Counselling sessions for students wishing to quit

Community outreach to promote 100-yard tobacco-free zones around schools and colleges

Youth Engagement Initiatives:

Competitions for innovative awareness campaigns

Recognition of ToFEI-compliant institutions

Dissemination of educational videos

Participation in national programs like the World No Tobacco Day Quiz and School Challenge: Towards a Tobacco-Free Generation via MyGov

State-Level Mobilization: States and union territories have been urged to reaffirm their commitment to ToFEI and actively engage youth in tobacco prevention efforts.

The campaign reflects the government’s commitment to building a healthier, more informed generation and fostering a culture of wellness across India’s educational landscape.

Sources: The Statesman, DD India

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