New Delhi, May 29 (APAC Media): On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2026, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava launched the pilot version of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Application during a national event in Delhi.
The initiative highlights India’s continued commitment to safeguarding present and future generations from the health, social, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
The ToFEI application has been developed as a digital platform to improve the implementation and monitoring of tobacco-free guidelines in schools and colleges across the country.
The platform allows educational institutions to conduct self-assessments and submit reports related to compliance with tobacco-control norms.
The application is all set to include installation of tobacco-control signage, prohibition of tobacco sales within 100 yards of educational institutions, and awareness activities aimed at students and teachers.
Addressing the gathering, Srivastava said the 2026 World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”, is especially relevant in protecting young people from the harmful effects of tobacco use.
She noted that tobacco and nicotine products are often promoted in ways that appeal to youth through flavoured products, attractive packaging, surrogate advertising and portrayals on social media and digital platforms.
“Such strategies can create a misleading perception around tobacco and nicotine use,” she added, stressing the importance of raising awareness among young people and encouraging them to reject tobacco consumption.
Speaking about the ToFEI initiative, the Union Health Secretary highlighted that more than 2,000 Tobacco Cessation Centres are currently functioning across district hospitals, medical and dental colleges, AYUSH institutions, NCD clinics and other healthcare facilities nationwide.
She also appreciated the efforts of States, Union Territories, educational institutions, healthcare professionals and community workers for their role in strengthening tobacco-control measures and protecting future generations from tobacco addiction.
The pilot phase of the initiative will initially be implemented in Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra. The trial run is intended to assess operational efficiency, improve reporting and implementation mechanisms, and support future nationwide expansion.
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