Chandigarh, June 1
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Sunday said the state has recorded the lowest tobacco consumption in the country, citing findings from the latest National Family Health Survey 6.
In an official statement, the minister described the achievement as a major milestone in public health and credited strict enforcement measures, awareness campaigns, and active community participation for the outcome.
According to the survey findings, tobacco consumption among men aged 15 years and above in Punjab stands at 13.9 percent, significantly lower than the national average of 36.3 percent. Among women aged 15 years and above, tobacco use in the state was recorded at just 0.5 percent compared to the national average of 8.4 percent.
Singh said Punjab has emerged as a model for tobacco control through sustained public health initiatives and strong implementation of anti tobacco laws. He said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act.
The minister said authorities issued 22,054 challans under the Act during 2025 and 2026 as part of the enforcement drive against tobacco-related violations.
Highlighting community participation, Singh said more than 800 villages across Punjab have declared themselves tobacco free and are actively supporting efforts to keep their surroundings free from tobacco use.
He also said that 98.6 percent of schools in the state have been declared tobacco free under the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions guidelines.
The minister said the Punjab government will continue strengthening awareness campaigns, legal enforcement and grassroots participation to maintain the state’s progress in tobacco control and promote a healthier society.
