In a determined effort to address the growing concern of tobacco and substance abuse among school students, the Government of Mizoram has launched the third phase of its flagship initiative—Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0. The campaign was officially inaugurated by State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Lalrinpuii at a public event in Aizawl on October 31, 2025.
The campaign aims to create tobacco-free villages and schools across the state, reinforcing Mizoram’s commitment to safeguarding the health and future of its youth. The initiative comes in response to alarming findings from a recent Health Department study, which revealed that a significant number of drug users in the state began their addiction journey with tobacco and alcohol, often as early as middle school.
Minister Lalrinpuii emphasized the urgency of the campaign, stating, “Tobacco use not only affects mental and physical health but also the environment, family finances, and the overall well-being of our society.” She highlighted that peer pressure remains a major factor behind the early initiation of tobacco use among adolescents, despite previous efforts to make educational institutions tobacco-free.
Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0 builds on the momentum of its earlier phases by integrating education, community outreach, and stricter enforcement of anti-tobacco laws. The campaign will involve collaboration between schools, local village councils, health workers, and law enforcement agencies. Special focus will be placed on sensitizing students, parents, and teachers about the long-term consequences of tobacco and drug use.
The campaign also aligns with the state’s broader public health goals, including reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and promoting a healthier lifestyle among young citizens. Awareness drives, school-based interventions, and community mobilization are key components of the strategy.
Mizoram has consistently ranked among the states with the highest tobacco consumption rates in India. With this renewed push, the government hopes to reverse the trend and build a “smoke-free generation.”
