Jaipur, May 20: Rajasthan has achieved a significant global milestone in tobacco control. The state’s Health Department has been awarded a prestigious international honor under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World No Tobacco Day Award 2026 for exemplary work in implementing tobacco control initiatives across the state.
This award recognizes Rajasthan’s remarkable achievements in tobacco control during 2025-26 in the South-East Asia region, as acknowledged by the WHO.
Expressing happiness over this achievement, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that this recognition reflects the state government’s unwavering commitment to public health, effective policy implementation, and the creation of a ‘Tobacco-Free Rajasthan.’
He emphasized that the government is continuously taking solid and result-oriented steps to protect citizens, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
The Chief Minister noted that this recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the Health Department, district administration, healthcare workers, and various social organizations working across the state.
Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar mentioned that Rajasthan has established itself as a model for tobacco control across the country. He highlighted the extensive expansion of treatment and counseling services for quitting tobacco, benefiting millions.
He further stated that the government will continue to strengthen the tobacco control movement through comprehensive awareness campaigns and stringent enforcement measures in the coming years.
Currently, over 500 tobacco cessation treatment and counseling centers are operational across Rajasthan, with services extending to the block level. These centers are geographically tagged and integrated with digital platforms, making it easier for citizens to locate and access the nearest facility.
The state has also conducted effective enforcement campaigns under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
Additionally, extensive awareness campaigns have been run through social media platforms, disseminating over 60,000 messages, updates, and public relations activities related to tobacco prohibition.
The government has also ensured compliance with ‘Tobacco-Free School’ guidelines in more than 83,000 schools across the state.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
