The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) joined hands with schools and launched ‘Prahari Clubs’ to ensure a tobacco-free youth for the children of the country.

This campaign is aimed at promoting a healthier and addiction-free India, marks a significant milestone in the mission to create a tobacco and drug-free nation.

The programme is organized by the NCPCR in technical partnership with Tobacco Free India, a citizens group. The campaign strives to address the pressing issue of tobacco and drug addiction amongst children in the Country.

Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the NCPCR, said, “This is a unique drive. Children, who are the most affected by indirect tobacco use, have been made members of ‘Prahari Clubs’ established in schools. So far, we have formed approximately 60,000 such clubs. With this, these ‘Prahari Clubs’ can be used in the direction of liberating India from tobacco and drugs,” he added. They will serve as the Government’s eyes and ears, sharing information if any tobacco-selling shops exist near their schools.

Further, he applauded the recent regulations implemented by the Central Government to govern the portrayal of tobacco use on OTT platforms. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of the proposed COTPA Amendment Act in creating a tobacco-free environment for children.

Kanoongo highlighted the concerning link between tobacco products and drug addiction, noting that the entertainment industry plays a significant role in enticing children into tobacco use. While there were rules requiring warnings on tobacco product scenes in films, there was a pressing need for regulations regarding Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, which have gained popularity in recent times and were being misused. The Commission had recommended the regulation of tobacco use on OTT platforms to address this issue effectively. Now, the Government has introduced this much-needed regulation, addressing the importance of curbing tobacco use on OTT platforms.

He has strongly supported a robust Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which will serve as an important tool in curbing tobacco use, especially among children. This legislation encompasses stringent measures to restrict all forms of tobacco advertising at the point of sale and put an end to the practice of designated smoking zones in public places. These smoking zones pose significant harm to children who are exposed to tobacco smoke in these areas,”

Mr. Praveen Ramdas, National Secretary of ‘Vigyan Bharati’ and a speaker of the event, stressed on the role of educational institutions in promoting traditional practices and holistic approaches to combat addiction”.

Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi and a reputed public health expert, highlighted the health risks associated with drug and tobacco addiction. She stressed on the fact that over 13 lakh people die annually in the country due to the consumption of deadly tobacco products. The COTPA Amendment Bill will not only save lives but also reduce the burden on the healthcare system, she added.

She urged for the immediate implementation of COTPA amendments “because each second matters, given that the product is claiming a large number of youth in the country.”

Dr Jagdish Kaur, Regional Advisor, Tobacco Free Initiative, WHO gave insights into the global perspective on addiction prevention and control and expressed her concern that as people are becoming more aware of the tobacco menace, the industry is adopting innovative ways to trap the youth. “We are glad that a move has been initiated to regulate the depiction of tobacco products on OTT contents.” She said.