Ranchi: The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, in collaboration with national and international public health experts, organised a National Consultation on “Protection from Emerging Tobacco and Nicotine Products – Challenges and the Way Forward.” 

The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Irfan Ansari, Health Minister of Jharkhand, as the Chief Guest.

The objective of the seminar was to create awareness among youth about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine use, strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies for the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, and highlight the global regulatory framework surrounding emerging nicotine products such as nicotine pouches.

The program commenced with the lighting of the lamp ceremony led by Dr Irfan Ansari, Health Minister of Jharkhand, with Other Dignitaries

In his keynote address, Dr. Irfan Ansari emphasised the urgent need for strict public health policies and coordinated efforts to protect young people from addiction. 

Addressing the students, he said:
“Students here will go on to become distinguished lawyers and judges. The nation looks to the judiciary with trust and expectation. I am confident that all of you will perform your duties with honesty and responsibility. There must be coordination between the legislature, judiciary, and executive. Hundreds of lives are being lost due to addiction, and we must work collectively to prevent it.

Dr. L. Swasticharan, Deputy Director General and Director (Emergency Medical Relief), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, addressed the gathering as the Guest of Honour and discussed India’s regulatory journey in managing emerging nicotine products.

Key Speakers and Their Perspectives:
• Ms. Vandana Shah, Vice President, CTFK – Global regulatory scenario of nicotine pouches
• Mr. Praveen Sinha, NPO, WHO – Health risks and global trends in emerging tobacco and nicotine products
• Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Senior Research Consultant, CTFK – Survey findings on Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) and Oral Nicotine Pouches (ONPs)
• Mr. Ranjit Singh, Advocate, Supreme Court of India – Enforcement challenges under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019
• Dr. Ashwini Kumar, SNO-NTCP, Jharkhand – State-level initiatives to protect youth
• Dr. Siddhartha Sanyal, Director-in-Chief, Directorate of Health Services, Jharkhand – Current usage patterns of nicotine-related products in the state

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Anandkumar R. Shindhe, Associate Professor, NUSRL.

The consultation reaffirmed NUSRL’s commitment to promoting a tobacco-free environment and strengthening health consciousness among the youth for a safer and healthier future.