Bhubaneswar: Approximately 14 lakh people in India lose their lives every year due to tobacco consumption, accounting for nearly 10% of all deaths in the country. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the urgent need for the public, especially the youth, to take serious steps toward breaking free from this menace. He made these remarks during the launch of an awareness campaign on World No Tobacco Day at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister urged everyone to join the awareness campaign against narcotics, adulterated, and toxic substances, calling for a collective resolve to embrace life over addiction with the slogan, “Say No to Tobacco, Say Yes to Life.” He highlighted that the campaign to curb the use and spread of tobacco, toxic liquor, and drugs will run across the state in four phases: from May 31 to June 26, June 26 to August 15, October 2, and December 25 to January 15, 2026, spanning nearly a year.
The Chief Minister stressed that awareness is the only way to prevent tobacco-related deaths. Despite knowing its dangers, many people struggle to quit. He noted that saving even one person through awareness can save a life. He called for the government’s campaign to reach every household to educate people about the harmful effects and health risks of tobacco use.
Highlighting the severity of tobacco use, the Chief Minister stated that it is the primary cause of oral and lung cancer. He remarked that while death is inevitable, it need not be painful, urging everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle. He also cautioned against misleading advertisements for tobacco, cigarettes, and narcotics that influence the youth.
To curb the spread of narcotics, toxic liquor, and illicit alcohol, the Excise, Home, and Narcotics Control Bureau departments are intensifying joint efforts, with strict action against offenders. The Special Task Force (STF) has been empowered to completely stop the smuggling of tobacco and other narcotics. The Chief Minister announced that a new Excise Policy will soon be formulated to control all forms of narcotics.
During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled the campaign’s logo, TV spot, theme song, and informational booklet to raise awareness about the dangers of narcotics and to eliminate the trade of adulterated, toxic, and illicit liquor.
Law, Excise, and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who attended the event, stated that addiction leads to death, making it a moral duty to raise awareness. He noted that this is the first time such a widespread awareness campaign has been launched in Odisha, aiming to reach every individual in society. He called for other departments and civil society to join the effort and announced stricter penalties under the Excise Act.
Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh expressed the vision of a prosperous and developed Odisha free from addiction, stating that curbing narcotics would also reduce crime. He advocated for strong action against addiction.
The campaign’s brand ambassador, Padma Shri awardee and international sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik, emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to take this initiative to every household.
Excise Department Commissioner and Secretary Guba Poonam Tapas Kumar delivered the welcome address, while Odisha Beverage Corporation Managing Director Ambar Kumar Kar offered the vote of thanks. District Collectors and Excise Superintendents from all districts participated virtually in the program.
