World No Tobacco Day 2026 theme: "Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction"
Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Application launched as pilot digital initiative
Application designed to facilitate self-assessment and reporting by educational institutions
Monitors compliance with ToFEI guidelines and tobacco control signage requirements
Enforces prohibition of sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions
Supports awareness and sensitization activities for students and teachers
Strengthens enforcement of tobacco-free campus measures
Pilot implementation in 3 States: Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sample Collection of Tobacco Products released
SOP provides standardized procedures for collection, handling, storage, transportation and documentation of tobacco product samples
Over 2,000 Tobacco Cessation Centres established across India in district hospitals, medical colleges, dental colleges, AYUSH institutions, NCD clinics and other healthcare facilities
Event held at Kartavya Bhawan under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)
Online "No Tobacco Pledge" enabled through NTCP website
QR Code provided to access the 'No Tobacco Pledge'
SOP document available at: https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/assets/document/Guideline-manuals/Sample%20Collection%20and%20Management%20Draft%209.pdf
