National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)
Government of India launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in the year 2007-08 during the 11th Five-Year-Plan.
The programme aims to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, reduce the production and supply of tobacco products, ensure effective implementation of the provisions under The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA), help people quit tobacco use, and facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention and control of tobacco advocated by the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control.
NTCP in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, NTCP is implemented by the State Tobacco Control Cell functioning under the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai since 2007.
The District Level activities under NTCP are carried out by the District Health Societies under the supervision of Deputy Director of Health Services. Currently, District Tobacco Control Cells are established in all 38 districts in Tamil Nadu for carrying out the implementation of Tobacco Control activities under NTCP.
Major Components of the Tobacco Control Programme in Tamil Nadu
Establishment of Tobacco Cessation Centres
Enforcement of Tobacco Control Law
Capacity Building of Various Stakeholders on Tobacco Control
Raising Awareness in Schools, Colleges and Other Educational Institutions
Declaration of Tobacco Free Educational Institutions
Organizing Mass IEC Awareness Campaigns
Taking Pledge Against Tobacco Use
Enforcement of Tobacco Control Law
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003
Objective
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 aims to discourage the use and consumption of tobacco products by eliminating all forms of direct and indirect advertising, promotion, sponsorship, and exposure to tobacco products, thereby protecting public health.
Scope of the Act
COTPA, 2003 applies to all tobacco-containing products in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, bidis, gutka, pan masala (with tobacco), khaini, mawa, mishri, snuff, etc., as listed in the Schedule to the Act. The Act extends to the entire country.
Major Provisions of COTPA, 2003
Section 4
Prohibition of smoking in public places
Section 5
Prohibition of direct and indirect advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products
Section 6(a)
Prohibition of sale of tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age
Section 6(b)
Prohibition of sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions
Section 7
Mandatory display of specified pictorial health warnings on all tobacco product packages
COTPA Enforcement in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leading State in effective enforcement of COTPA, 2003, collecting the highest amount of fines in the country from violators.
- Enforcement squads have been constituted at State, District, Block, and Village levels to monitor compliance and address violations.
Ban on Hookah Bars
Health Concerns
Hookah and E-Hookah (water pipes) are used to smoke flavored tobacco through a water chamber. Contrary to popular belief, hookah smoke contains higher levels of nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar than cigarettes.
Hookah smoking contributes to nicotine addiction, second-hand smoke exposure, and diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic lung disease, gum disease, and cardiovascular disorders.
Objectives of the Ban
- To reduce health risks to users and protect non-users from second-hand exposure.
- To prevent initiation of hookah use among youth and vulnerable groups, including pregnant women.
- To safeguard tobacco control efforts from commercial and industry interests.
Legal Support for Ban
Nicotine is regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Listed as an insecticide under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
Prohibited as a food ingredient under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Classified as a hazardous chemical under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Penal provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 prohibit providing tobacco to children.
Ban on Electronic Cigarettes (ENDS)
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, e-hookah, e-cigars, etc.) are battery-operated devices delivering nicotine aerosol. These aerosols contain harmful substances such as nicotine, ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and flavoring agents linked to lung disease.
Health Risks
- Nicotine addiction
- Adverse effects on adolescent brain development
- Serious risks to pregnant women and fetal health
Regulatory Action
- Government of Tamil Nadu banned manufacture, sale, distribution, use, advertisement, import, and possession of ENDS vide G.O. (Ms) No. 384 dated 14.11.2018.
- Government of India enacted the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019, enforcing a nationwide ban.
Capacity Building and Awareness
Training provided to officials from Police, Education, Railways, Airports, Health, and other departments.
NGOs, civil society groups, SHGs, youth clubs, and community volunteers trained on tobacco control.
Medical Officers, NCD Staff Nurses, ICTC Counsellors, and Youth Health Volunteers trained in tobacco cessation services.
Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)
Since 2007, 13,080 schools and 1,344 colleges in Tamil Nadu have been certified as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions under defined criteria.
Additionally, several public and institutional spaces have been declared smoke-free, including:
- Government offices, hospitals, PHCs
- Police stations, prisons, courts, Secretariat
- Public transport, hotels, malls, industries
- Slums, villages, cinema theatres, postal facilities
Mass IEC and Public Awareness Campaigns
World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on 31st May. The National Health Mission – Tamil Nadu and Directorate of Public Health & Preventive Medicine conduct statewide IEC activities to raise awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco and second-hand smoke.
Key Activities Include
Rallies and Human Chains
IEC on Wheels
Signature Campaigns
Distribution of IEC Materials
Community Outreach Programs
For More Information or to Report Violations Contact
Email: ntcptn@gmail.com
Phone: 044-24335080
Toll Free No.: 1800110456