WHO Applauds Rajasthan’s Outstanding Efforts
This Honor is a Result of the Government’s Commitment to Public Health – Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma
The State View Sunil Sharma
Jaipur. Rajasthan has achieved a major milestone on the global stage in the field of tobacco control. Under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘World No Tobacco Day Awards’ for 2026, Rajasthan’s Department of Medical and Health has been conferred with a world-class honor for its outstanding work in the tobacco control program. Within the South-East Asia region, this prestigious award has been bestowed upon Rajasthan by the WHO in recognition of the remarkable work undertaken in the field of tobacco control during the years 2025-26.Expressing his delight over this achievement, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that this honor is the result of the state government’s unwavering commitment to public health, its effective policies, and its resolve to create a ‘Tobacco-Free Rajasthan.’ He emphasized that the state government is continuously taking concrete measures to protect the general public—particularly the youth—from the harmful effects of tobacco. This award stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the Department of Medical and Health, the district administration, medical personnel, and various social organizations.
*Rajasthan Emerges as a Model for Tobacco Cessation – Medical Minister*
Gajendra Singh Khimsar, the Minister of Medical and Health, remarked that Rajasthan has established a benchmark model for tobacco control across the entire nation. The state has significantly expanded its tobacco cessation treatment and counseling services, benefiting hundreds of thousands of people. He further affirmed that the state government would continue to strengthen its tobacco control campaign in the future through enhanced public awareness initiatives and effective enforcement of laws.
Over 500 Tobacco Cessation Treatment and Counseling Centers Operational Across the State
Currently, more than 500 tobacco cessation treatment and counseling centers are operational across the state, extending their reach down to the block level. These centers have been geo-tagged and made accessible on digital platforms for the convenience of the general public, ensuring that individuals in need can easily locate and access the nearest facility. Additionally, effective enforcement actions were undertaken under the ‘Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003’ and the ‘Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019’.
Extensive campaigns regarding tobacco prohibition were conducted across social media platforms, involving over 60,000 messages, updates, and shares. Compliance with ‘Tobacco-Free School’ guidelines was ensured in more than 83,000 schools across the state, and approximately 255,000 public awareness activities—such as street plays, competitions, and rallies—were organized. The ‘Tobacco-Free Village’ campaign is also being effectively advanced; by linking it with the ‘Ayushman Adarsh Gram Yojana’, widespread public participation is being ensured in rural areas.
Rajasthan Tops the South Asia Region
It is noteworthy that the WHO presents this award by categorizing countries worldwide into six regions: the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the European Region, the South-East Asia Region, and the Western Pacific Region. In the ‘World No Tobacco Day 2026 Awards’ list released by the WHO, Rajasthan’s Department of Medical and Health has been honored with the first prize in the South-East Asia Region.
Author: thestateview
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