Una, October 8 – The "Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0" will be conducted in Una district from October 9 to December 8. This campaign is the third phase of the previous Tobacco-Free Youth Campaigns, being conducted with a new strategy and extensive public participation. The objective of this 60-day campaign is to increase public awareness about the ill effects of tobacco consumption, inspire youth to lead a drug-free life, and make Una a tobacco-free district, thereby taking concrete steps towards the goal of a "Tobacco-Free Himachal."
This information was given by Assistant Commissioner Varinder Sharma after a meeting held here on Wednesday. He stated that joint participation of all departments will be ensured in the campaign. Panchayati Raj institutions, non-governmental organizations, and voluntary groups will also be involved.
He said that under the campaign, work will be done towards declaring educational institutions as well as villages tobacco-free. The focus will be on developing a positive attitude towards a tobacco-free lifestyle among the general public. Digital platforms will also be utilized appropriately for this purpose.

**Health Secretary Issues Guidelines Emphasize Strict Compliance with Legal Provisions
Prior to the meeting, State Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi held a meeting with all districts via video conferencing from Shimla. She provided guidelines for the successful implementation of the campaign. She emphasized strict adherence to all legal provisions related to tobacco control, so that a positive example and clear message can be sent to society.

**Role of Each Department Determined in the Campaign
Chief Medical Officer, Una, Dr. SK Verma, stated that various activities will be organized in the district with the cooperation of all departments, with the message "Quit Tobacco, Choose Life."
He stated that the Health and Family Welfare Department is the nodal department for this campaign. The department will conduct the tobacco control program and provide counseling and medical assistance through tobacco cessation centers.
The Police Department will ensure strict enforcement of legal provisions related to tobacco control, while the Education Department will be responsible for enforcing tobacco prohibition rules in educational institutions, creating awareness among students, and organizing pledge programs. The Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, and Rural Development Departments will spearhead the Tobacco Vendor Licensing Rules 2018, prohibiting smoking in public places, and spearheading the Tobacco-Free Village Campaign.
The Information and Public Relations Department will oversee public awareness, media coordination, promotional material creation, and widespread dissemination of awareness messages through various communication channels. While the Excise and Taxation Department will ensure punitive action against the sale of tobacco products without warnings and control illegal smuggling, the AYUSH Department and the Social Justice and Empowerment Department will also play a significant role in the campaign.
Additional Superintendent of Police Surendra Sharma, Zonal Hospital MS Dr. Sanjay Mankotia, District Tobacco Control Program Officer Dr. Ankit Chaudhary, District Panchayat Officer Shravan Kumar, DFSC Rajiv Sharma, and officials from various departments were present at the meeting.