Rajasthan tobacco control model to serve as a blueprint for nationwide tobacco control

In a bid to curb tobacco consumption, the Central Government has asked States and UTs to undertake special drives and follow the revolutionary 'Rajasthan model' for tobacco control. In a letter dated May 18, 2022, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed all Health Departments to ensure the enforcement of provisions of the Cigarettes and Tobacco Protects Act 2003, by following the Rajasthan model.

Rajasthan launched a 100-day special drive to curb tobacco consumption in February 2022. The one-of-a-kind drive, which has been garnering praises from the centre will conclude on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31. From awareness programmes to debates, painting and other competitions, the drive was instrumental in covering every nook and corner of the state, starting from the villages to the cities.

Recently, as many as 9.83 lakh people were penalised for consuming tobacco in public places. Apart from this, the authorities have put up several signages and formed committees to inform, check, and penalise the offenders.

Rajasthan’s continued efforts have been instrumental in bringing down tobacco intake in the state by as much as 8%. In 2019, the state received global recognition for its efficient tobacco control measures, when it was selected for World No Tobacco Day Award 2019 by WHO. By following the tried-and-tested Rajasthan model, India hopes to inch closer to their efforts in reducing tobacco consumption remarkably.

Regardless of how much the graphic pictures on tobacco packs or ads in theatres make us cringe, we can’t deny that they do end up leaving an imprint on our psyche. There’s a reason that you can vividly remember 'Mukesh' and his story, down to the last detail. It’s with cumulative efforts like these, that the authorities try to warn and protect us against one of society’s biggest evils, tobacco consumption.

- With inputs from IANS