Odisha's Bold Initiative: CM Mohan Charan Majhi Champions Year-Long Anti-Drug Campaign

A Statewide Movement Against Substance Abuse

Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a comprehensive year-long campaign aimed at combating drug use and intoxicants, emphasizing that raising awareness is crucial to reducing tobacco-related fatalities in India.

The campaign was launched during a state-level event commemorating 'World No Tobacco Day'.

Majhi highlighted the alarming statistic that approximately 1.4 million individuals in India succumb to tobacco-related illnesses annually, with tobacco accounting for nearly 10% of all deaths in the country.

He urged the public, particularly the youth, to take this matter seriously and join the initiative against drugs and intoxicants.

Majhi encouraged everyone to commit to a life free from addiction, stating, "Say no to tobacco, say yes to life."

The awareness initiative will unfold over the next year, commencing from May 31 to June 26 in its first phase, followed by subsequent phases from June 26 to August 15, October 2, and finally from December 25 to January 15, 2026.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the door-to-door campaign will focus on educating the public about the severe health risks associated with tobacco use.

He pointed out that tobacco and cigarette consumption is responsible for 100% of oral cavity and lung cancers.

Majhi remarked, "If death is the only certainty in life, why should it be painful? Everyone should embrace a healthy lifestyle," while also cautioning against misleading advertisements promoting tobacco and drugs.

He stressed the need for strict enforcement to combat drug abuse and the sale of adulterated liquor.

Joint efforts from the Excise Department, Home Department, and Narcotics Control Bureau will be essential in taking decisive action against offenders.

Majhi also mentioned that initiatives are underway to eliminate the sale of tobacco and drugs, with plans for a new excise policy aimed at curbing all forms of intoxicants.

During the event, he unveiled the campaign's logo, theme song, and handbook.

Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan noted that this is the first time the government has launched a comprehensive awareness program targeting tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.

He emphasized the importance of reaching every segment of society and highlighted the need for collaboration with various departments and civil society. The penalties for offenders under the new Excise Act will be more stringent.

Sudarsan Patnaik, Odisha's brand ambassador for the Nishamukti Abhiyan and renowned sand artist, stated that it is everyone's responsibility to promote this campaign in every household.

District collectors and excise officials from across the state participated in the program virtually.

In a separate initiative organized by the Health and Family Welfare Department, the focus was on enhancing interdepartmental cooperation and engaging the public.

A signature campaign was launched to encourage citizens to pledge their support for a tobacco-free Odisha.

The department also introduced new IEC (Information-Education Campaign) materials aimed at educating the public, especially youth and vulnerable groups, about the dangers of tobacco use.

Additionally, the event featured the digital launch of the ToFEI (Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions) web application, designed to help schools and colleges assess and report their adherence to national tobacco-free standards.