Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

World No Tobacco Day 2026: India Launches ToFEI App To Make Campuses Tobacco-Free

Ahead of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2026, India has launched the pilot phase of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Application.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava today launched the application under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) at Kartavya Bhawan, reaffirming India’s commitment towards protecting present and future generations from the devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

The pilot project will be rolled out in three states — Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra. It is expected to help assess operational feasibility, strengthen implementation and reporting mechanisms, and inform future nationwide expansion of the platform.

ToFEI guidelines are a set of standards established by the government to protect minors from tobacco addiction. It requires campuses to display warning signage, assign tobacco monitors, maintain a 100-yard tobacco-free zone, and regularly organize awareness activities.

The digital application of ToFEI is aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of these tobacco-free norms across schools and colleges in the country.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-no-tobacco-day-2026-why-herbal-cigarettes-may-not-be-harmless-article-154425574" data-type="tilCustomLink">Herbal Cigarettes Not Safe, Found High In Fine Particles And Lead: Study</a>

<ul><li>Self-assessment and reporting by educational institutions</li><li>Monitoring of compliance with ToFEI guidelines</li><li>Implementation of tobacco control signage requirements</li><li>Prohibition of the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions</li><li>Awareness and sensitization activities for students and teachers</li><li>Strengthening enforcement of tobacco-free campus measures</li></ul>

<h2>SOP for Tobacco Product Sample Collection</h2>

The government also released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sample Collection of Tobacco Products, aimed at strengthening surveillance, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance related to tobacco products.

The SOP provides standardized procedures for:

<ul><li>Collection</li><li>Handling</li><li>Storage</li><li>Transportation</li><li>Documentation of tobacco product samples.</li></ul>These measures are intended to ensure consistency and reliability in testing processes.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/global-temperatures-likely-to-stay-near-record-levels-for-next-five-years-wmo-article-154425085" data-type="tilCustomLink">Global Temperatures Likely To Stay Near Record Levels For Next Five Years: WMO</a>

“Tobacco and nicotine products are often designed and marketed in ways that make them appear attractive, particularly to youth, through appealing flavors, packaging, surrogate advertising, and portrayals on social media and digital platforms,” Srivastava said.

The Union Health Secretary further stated that tobacco use contributes significantly to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic respiratory illnesses, and several other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for a major proportion of mortality and disability in the country.

Highlighting India’s continued leadership in advancing evidence-based tobacco control policies, she noted that over 2,000 Tobacco Cessation Centers have been established across the country in district hospitals, medical colleges, dental colleges, AYUSH institutions, NCD clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

She also emphasized the importance of encouraging educational institutions and campuses to adopt and sustain tobacco-free practices.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/ignoring-jaw-pain-or-nausea-doctors-warn-it-could-signal-a-heart-attack-article-154419051" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ignoring Jaw Pain Or Nausea? Doctors Warn It Could Signal A Heart Attack</a>

India is the world’s second-largest consumer and producer of tobacco. A variety of tobacco products are available at very low prices across the country.

Nearly 267 million adults aged 15 years and above in India — around 29 per cent of all adults — use tobacco, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India 2016-17.

The most prevalent form of tobacco use in India is smokeless tobacco, with commonly used products including khaini, gutkha, betel quid with tobacco, and zarda. Smoking forms of tobacco include bidi, cigarettes, and hookah.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

world-no-tobacco-day-2026-india-launches-tofei-app-to-make-campuses-tobacco-free

Tobacco Free Campuses

World No Tobacco Day 2026

ToFEI guidelines

Punya Salila Srivastava

tobacco addiction

india-makes-significant-progress-in-maternal-care-nutrition-and-child-immunization-nfhs-6

India Makes Significant Progress In Maternal Care, Nutrition And Child Immunization: NFHS-6

bundibugyo-ebola-outbreak-who-identifies-experimental-treatments-vaccines

Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak: WHO Identifies Experimental Treatments, Vaccines

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Ahead of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2026, India has launched the pilot phase of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Application.Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava today launched the application under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) at Kartavya Bhawan, reaffirming India’s commitment towards protecting present and future generations from the devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences of tobacco and nicotine addiction.The pilot project will be rolled out in three states — Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra. It is expected to help assess operational feasibility, strengthen implementation and reporting mechanisms, and inform future nationwide expansion of the platform.What Is ToFEI?ToFEI guidelines are a set of standards established by the government to protect minors from tobacco addiction. It requires campuses to display warning signage, assign tobacco monitors, maintain a 100-yard tobacco-free zone, and regularly organize awareness activities.The digital application of ToFEI is aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of these tobacco-free norms across schools and colleges in the country.Also read: Herbal Cigarettes Not Safe, Found High In Fine Particles And Lead: StudyThe application will facilitate:Self-assessment and reporting by educational institutionsMonitoring of compliance with ToFEI guidelinesImplementation of tobacco control signage requirementsProhibition of the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutionsAwareness and sensitization activities for students and teachersStrengthening enforcement of tobacco-free campus measuresSOP for Tobacco Product Sample CollectionThe government also released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sample Collection of Tobacco Products, aimed at strengthening surveillance, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance related to tobacco products.The SOP provides standardized procedures for:CollectionHandlingStorageTransportationDocumentation of tobacco product samples.These measures are intended to ensure consistency and reliability in testing processes.Also read: Global Temperatures Likely To Stay Near Record Levels For Next Five Years: WMO“Tobacco and nicotine products are often designed and marketed in ways that make them appear attractive, particularly to youth, through appealing flavors, packaging, surrogate advertising, and portrayals on social media and digital platforms,” Srivastava said.The Union Health Secretary further stated that tobacco use contributes significantly to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic respiratory illnesses, and several other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for a major proportion of mortality and disability in the country.Highlighting India’s continued leadership in advancing evidence-based tobacco control policies, she noted that over 2,000 Tobacco Cessation Centers have been established across the country in district hospitals, medical colleges, dental colleges, AYUSH institutions, NCD clinics, and other healthcare facilities.She also emphasized the importance of encouraging educational institutions and campuses to adopt and sustain tobacco-free practices.Tobacco Prevalence In IndiaRead More: Ignoring Jaw Pain Or Nausea? Doctors Warn It Could Signal A Heart AttackIndia is the world’s second-largest consumer and producer of tobacco. A variety of tobacco products are available at very low prices across the country.Nearly 267 million adults aged 15 years and above in India — around 29 per cent of all adults — use tobacco, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India 2016-17.The most prevalent form of tobacco use in India is smokeless tobacco, with commonly used products including khaini, gutkha, betel quid with tobacco, and zarda. Smoking forms of tobacco include bidi, cigarettes, and hookah.

world no tobacco day 2026: india launches tofei app to boost tobacco-free campuses

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.