Emphasising the urgent need to protect children and young people from the growing threat of tobacco and nicotine addiction, the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, in collaboration with the Socio Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS), Jharkhand, held a brain storming discussions on Friday ( October 30,2026).

The discussions took place in a State-Level Multi-Stakeholder Orientation Workshop on “Effective Implementation of NTCP and Enforcement of COTPA, 2003 and Jharkhand COTPA Amendment Act, 2021” at NUSRL, Ranchi.

The workshop brought together senior government officials, public health experts, legal professionals, representatives of enforcement agencies, academic institutions and civil society organisations to discuss strategies for strengthening tobacco control enforcement and protecting children and youth from tobacco addiction.

Dr. Avinash Sunthlia, Senior Official from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, graced the occasion as Special Guest. Addressing the workshop, he highlighted the importance of strengthening tobacco control initiatives, particularly through the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign. 

The discussions emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to prevent tobacco initiation among children and adolescents and ensure effective enforcement of existing laws.

Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Vice-Chancellor, NUSRL, Ranchi, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of legal awareness, institutional responsibility and effective enforcement mechanisms in addressing the tobacco menace. The workshop provided an opportunity for government departments, legal institutions and civil society to strengthen their collective efforts towards tobacco control.

Shri Anuj Kumar Prasad, Joint Secretary in the State Health Department and Additional Food Safety Commissioner, stated that creating a tobacco-free generation requires robust laws, their strict enforcement, institutional commitment, and the active participation of young people. 

He particularly emphasized the prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to minors, compliance with regulations regarding the sale of tobacco near educational institutions, and the effective implementation of guidelines for tobacco-free educational institutions.

Shri Ranjit Singh, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, discussed the key legal provisions of COTPA, 2003 and the Jharkhand COTPA Amendment Act, 2021, highlighting the responsibilities of enforcement agencies and the need for effective implementation.

Dr. Amit Yadav, Deputy Director, Vital Strategies, addressed the challenges of protecting children and young people from nicotine and tobacco addiction and the importance of preventive measures.

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A major highlight of the workshop was the multi-stakeholder panel discussion on strengthening tobacco control enforcement and protecting children and youth, involving representatives from the Health Department, Police, Education, Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, Food Safety Authorities, legal institutions and civil society.

The deliberations focused on strengthening enforcement around educational institutions, preventing the sale of tobacco products to minors, addressing tobacco advertising and promotion, improving compliance with tobacco control laws, and enhancing coordination among government departments at state and district levels.

The workshop concluded with discussions on future priorities, including stronger inter-departmental coordination, effective implementation of the Jharkhand COTPA Amendment Act, 2021, and greater emphasis on protecting children and adolescents from tobacco and nicotine addiction.

The workshop reinforced the message that protecting children and youth from tobacco addiction is a shared responsibility of government, educational institutions, enforcement agencies, families and society. Stronger enforcement, greater awareness and sustained collective action are essential to achieving a tobacco-free generation in Jharkhand.

The workshop was attended by members of the Alliance of Tobacco-Free Jharkhand, as well as nodal officers from the health, education, food safety, and police departments from various districts across the state.