Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department, in partnership with the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), marked World No Tobacco Day with a strong statewide initiative aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and promoting public health. The state-level event, held at Geeta Gobinda Sadan in Bhubaneswar, brought together government officials, health experts, and community leaders to reinforce Odisha’s commitment to a tobacco-free future. 
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Odisha’s Push for a Tobacco-Free Future


Government’s Pledge for a Tobacco-Free Odisha 

Leading the event, Aswasthy S., Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, emphasized the state’s multi-sectoral approach to combating tobacco use. 
"Tobacco addiction remains a major public health challenge, and only through coordinated efforts can we protect our youth and future generations," she stated. 
The theme for this year’s observance focused on interdepartmental collaboration and public engagement to create awareness and enforce anti-tobacco laws effectively. The government also launched several new initiatives to strengthen its anti-tobacco campaign.  

Key Initiatives Launched 

  1. Signature Campaign for Public Support: A statewide signature campaign was introduced to encourage citizens to pledge their support for a tobacco-free Odisha. The campaign aims to foster community involvement in reducing tobacco consumption.  
  2. New Awareness Materials Released: The department unveiled updated Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials designed to educate people, especially young adults, about the dangers of tobacco. These materials will be distributed in schools, colleges, and public spaces.  
  3. NTCP Annual Activity Report 2024–25: The event featured the release of the NTCP Annual Report, highlighting progress in tobacco control across districts. The report showcased enforcement actions, awareness programs, and financial management under the program.  
  4. Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Web App: A new digital platform was launched to help schools and colleges self-assess their compliance with national tobacco-free guidelines. The app will streamline reporting and monitoring of tobacco-free policies in educational institutions.  

Districts and Departments Recognized for Excellence  

The government honored three districts for their exceptional work in tobacco control:  
  • Ganjam – Best overall implementation of NTCP initiatives  
  • Sundergarh – Effective enforcement of tobacco laws  
  • Cuttack – Excellence in financial management under NTCP  
Additionally, five key departments received recognition for their contributions:  
  • School and Mass Education – Promoting tobacco-free campuses  
  • Higher Education – Awareness drives in colleges  
  • Excise Department – Curbing illegal tobacco sales  
  • Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water – Community-level campaigns  
  • Home Department – Law enforcement against tobacco violations  

Experts Stress Early Intervention and Education  

Health experts at the event highlighted the need for early intervention to prevent tobacco addiction. Dr. J.M. Beborta, Special Secretary (Public Health), stressed, 
"Educating children and adolescents about the risks of tobacco is crucial in building a healthier society."  
Dr. Amarendra Nath Mohanty, Director of SIHFW, and Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health, also spoke on the importance of policy enforcement and public awareness in reducing tobacco-related diseases.  

A Collective Effort for a Healthier Future  

The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—government agencies, educational institutions, and the public—to work together in making Odisha tobacco-free. Dr. Sushanta Kumar Swain, State Nodal Officer for NTCP, assured that the department would continue expanding its initiatives to reach every corner of the state.  
With these measures, Odisha aims to significantly reduce tobacco consumption and create a healthier environment for its citizens. The World No Tobacco Day observance served as a reminder that sustained efforts and public participation are key to achieving a tobacco-free society. 


For more updates on Odisha’s health initiatives, stay tuned to official government communications.