Latest news with #ProhibitionofElectronicCigarettesAct
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
On World No Tobacco Day experts flag concerns about illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering adolescents and the youth
On the occasion of WHO (World Health Organisation) World No Tobacco Day 2025, experts at a seminar raised serious concerns about the illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering the lives of adolescents and the youth across India. The event was organised in line with the theme of the Day - Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products, Mothers Against Vaping. The experts also reinforced their commitment to spreading awareness and take decisive action against the growing threat of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other HTPs (Heated Tobacco Products). In the event, Dr Avinash Sunthlia – Deputy Additional Director General (DADG), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India said 'Why is the industry using new tactics to attract our youth? Because the industry needs new users to consume these new devices so that they can be turned into lifelong consumers. Hence, despite the ban on these products through the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, producers have found ways to circumvent the laws and promote e-cigarettes and vapes. They also market these devices as safer alternatives for smoking cessation, but it is about recruiting new users for a lifetime of dependence,' 'To spread awareness we have issued comprehensive guidelines for schools, initiated capacity-building programmes for teachers, and are working closely with influencers and digital creators to speak up about the dangers of vaping. We've also launched an online reporting platform that empowers everyday citizens to flag violations related to the sale or promotion of these banned devices so that prompt action can be taken. I'd like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mothers Against Vaping for their unwavering commitment and advocacy on this critical issue', added Dr. Sunthlia. The seminar was organised at the Indian International Centre, New Delhi by Mothers Against Vaping, a united front of concerned mothers combating the escalating vaping crisis among our youth. In the event, various experts put the spotlight on the role of promotions in targeting a new generation of young users through new-age gateway devices even as Mothers Against Vaping released a report titled 'Unmasking the Appeal – How Vapes & E-Cigarettes Continue to be Promoted Unabated in India'. Jaspal Singh, Special Commissioner of Police for Protective Security, Delhi, in his keynote address, said, 'Vapes are more dangerous than cigarettes because through such devices, one can even consume hard drugs. Based on my experience, several users have confessed to using vaping equipment for hard drug intake. What makes the threat more dangerous is the way these products are promoted. Manufacturers and sellers use tactics like influencer marketing on social media to glamorise these devices and target young users while avoiding direct accountability and prosecution.' 'There has to be a proper coordination between customs authorities, police authorities, transporter associations and even courier agencies to stem the rising tide of e-cigarettes and vapes. Also important is public involvement, but for that to happen, citizens need to be aware that these devices are banned in India. Therefore, it is critical that the government launch strong awareness campaigns to inform people about the illegality and dangers of these devices", added Singh Padma Jaiswal - IAS, Secretary to the Government of the Union Territory of Puducherry, said, 'I would really like to acknowledge the great effort done by Mothers Against Vaping. I believe that such a kind of initiative and prioritisation has not been done by any civil society organisation earlier towards generating awareness of the issue.' 'The government has made the law banning vaping and e-cigarettes because it has seen from its own data that most of the users who are being affected by vaping are the adolescents who are in the schools and colleges. Being a mother myself, I am aware that vaping is rampant and the habit leaves a strong impact among the adolescents and the youth. They are attracted to these devices because they are promoted as a luxury, a style statement with the narrative that it is neither harmful nor punitive. Therefore, we need to raise the awareness that these electronic devices are banned in India,' Ms Jaiswal added. On the occasion, Mothers Against Vaping also released investigative report exposing the alleged covert strategies employed by global vaping and e-cigarette brands to infiltrate India's digital landscape, circumventing the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019. Despite the ban, these entities exploit media loopholes, leveraging digital platforms, influencer marketing, and surrogate advertising to glamorise their products . The comprehensive analysis reveals a disturbing trend: the deliberate targeting of Indian youth through social media channels. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are inundated with content portraying vaping as a trendy, harmless lifestyle choice. Influencers, often with substantial followings, are co-opted to promote these products, masking their dangers under the guise of modernity and sophistication. Influencers have emerged as stealth marketers—turning reels, reviews, and jokes into powerful tools of vape promotion. From casual endorsements masked as lifestyle content to creative smoke tricks that mimic skill, the influencer ecosystem plays a crucial role in making vaping look aspirational, trendy, and even humorous. Despite the ban, India's digital and informal markets continue to thrive in brazen defiance of the ban. Hence, the report provides for a number of recommendations as below: Immediate Actions To Stop Promotion of Vapes and E-Cigarettes Coordinate Enforcement Efforts: Establish robust coordination between cybercrime units, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies to proactively monitor and identify violative digital content and actors. Initiate Legal Proceedings against Violators: Launch immediate legal action under relevant provisions of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) and other applicable laws. Dismantle Digital Channels: Identify and issue directives for taking down social media pages, handles, and websites that promote vapes. Issue Platform Wide Directives: Direct social media companies, technology platforms and digital marketplaces, including domain service providers, to comply with Indian law by proactively detecting and preventing promotion of these banned products. Initiate action against Manufacturers and Sources: Pursue action against manufacturers, importers, and distributors who make these dangerous products available for sale. Recommendations from the report:
Mint
3 days ago
- Health
- Mint
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Experts say ‘vaping more dangerous than cigarettes,' blame ‘influencers for glamourising'
On World Tobacco Day, experts have underlined the rampant use of e-cigarettes and vapes, highlighting how sellers are promoting their use as a "luxury" and employing clever tactics to compel teenagers to buy these products. During a seminar organised against vapes, experts noted that despite the ban on these products under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, producers have found ways to circumvent the law and promote e-cigarettes and vapes. "Why is the industry using new tactics to attract our youth? Because the industry needs new users to consume these devices so that they can be turned into lifelong consumers," Avinash Sunthlia, Deputy Additional Director General (DADG), Health Ministry, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Read | Health ministry reports 350 violations of e-cigarette ban, black market thrives He added that they also market these devices as safer alternatives for smoking cessation, but it is actually about recruiting new users for a lifetime of dependence. "To spread awareness, we have issued comprehensive guidelines for schools, initiated capacity-building programmes for teachers, and are working closely with influencers and digital creators to speak up about the dangers of vaping," he said. Another expert asserted that consumption of vapes is more dangerous than cigarettes, as such devices can be used to consume hard drugs. "Based on my experience, several users have confessed to using vaping equipment for hard drug intake. What makes the threat more dangerous is the way these products are promoted. Manufacturers and sellers use tactics like influencer marketing on social media to glamourise these devices and target young users while avoiding direct accountability and prosecution," said Jaspal Singh, Special Commissioner of Police for Protective Security, Delhi. Also Read: India Inc adds health goals to appraisals Puducherry Secretary Padma Jaiswal further underlined that these devices are promoted as a "luxury" style, and most of the users affected by vapes are adolescents in schools and colleges. "Being a mother myself, I am aware that vaping is rampant, and the habit leaves a strong impact among adolescents and youth. They are attracted to these devices because they are promoted as a luxury, a style statement with the narrative that it is neither harmful nor punitive. Therefore, we need to raise awareness that these electronic devices are banned in India," she added.
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
From trend to trap: The silent vaping crisis gripping India's teenagers
The steady infiltration of vaping into teenage lives in India has become a growing concern among public health experts. Though cigarette use among adolescents shows a gradual decline, the threat posed by e-cigarettes, discreet and dangerously misunderstood, looms large."In many parts of India, especially urban centres and even small towns, more and more teenagers are picking up their first cigarette or vape without realising they've started a habit that's notoriously hard to shake," Dr. Gautam Saha, a leading neuropsychiatrist and founder of Clinic Brain Neuropsychiatric Institute & Research Centre in Kolkata told the government's proactive step in 2019 to ban e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, loopholes persist. Traditional tobacco use still commands a greater share of the problem. According to Global Youth Tobacco Surgery 2019, around 2-3% of Indian adolescents are cigarette smokers (additional bidi smokers), with some northeastern states reporting smoking rates as high as 58%. Despite the government's proactive step in 2019 to ban e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, loopholes persist. (Photo: Reuters) However, experts warn that vaping, though less prevalent, is a rapidly emerging threat."The relatively low figures for vaping today should not breed complacency, they reflect a situation that could change quickly," Dr. Saha warned. The rising use of e-cigarettes among Indian teens may be subtle now, but it bears the potential of reversing decades of hard-won progress in tobacco VAPING APPEALS TO TEENSWhat makes vaping particularly insidious is its deceptive reputation."Many teenagers believe that vaping is a 'safer' or more benign alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is a dangerous misconception," Dr. Saha asserted. Unlike cigarettes, vapes don't emit telltale smells or smoke, allowing them to slip under the radar in schools and some variants pack a heavier nicotine punch than traditional cigarettes. "Vaping might not have tar or smoke, but it brings its baggage. Many vapes provide high doses of nicotine, sometimes more than a cigarette," he added. Nicotine, especially during adolescence, wreaks havoc on the developing brain. (Photo: Generative AI) Nicotine, especially during adolescence, wreaks havoc on the developing brain."Nicotine works like a con artist, it hijacks the teen brain by mimicking natural reward chemicals. With repeated hits, it changes how young people feel joy, focus, or even boredom," the neuropsychiatrist mood disturbances, nicotine exposure can impair memory, learning, and impulse control, traits essential for adolescence and adulthood POLICY ARSENAL: GOOD ON PAPER, GAPS ON THE GROUNDadvertisementThe national policy framework is not lacking. As Malavika Kaura Saxena, chief marketing officer at Rusan Pharma, outlineed: "India's approach is multi-pronged: strong laws (no e-cigs, no sales to minors), school-based interventions (ToFEI guidelines, curriculum integration), public education, and enforcement efforts have been initiated.'These efforts include the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), and public awareness campaigns specifically aimed at engaging the implementation remains inconsistent across states and school systems. "Until every school is truly tobacco-free and every parent knows a USB-stick could be an e-cigarette, we have work to do," Saxena stated. Many teenagers believe that vaping is a 'safer' or more benign alternative to smoking cigarettes. While some schools conduct bag checks, awareness sessions, and parent-teacher dialogues, others remain in the dark. "Irrespective of the type of school or board, awareness around smoking, tobacco and vaping needs to be part of our curriculum and sensitisation should be mandatory at all levels," she THE SIGNS EARLYBeyond regulation, the fight must also be cultural and emotional."To counter this belief, we need stories more than stats. Let students hear from peers who got hooked. It's crucial to talk more about what withdrawal looks like or how a vape pen leads to chronic wheezing. Facts help, but emotion drives it home," said Dr. shift in narrative, from abstract statistics to relatable, visceral accounts, could make the difference in reaching impressionable teens. Unusual smells, subtle gadgets, and shifting social circles often provide the first clues. (Photo: Generative AI) Spotting the signs of addiction early is equally critical. "The signs aren't always loud. A kid who suddenly gets edgy, snaps easily, or takes frequent 'breaks' alone could be feeding a new habit. Teachers might notice a drop in focus or more restroom breaks than usual.," Dr. Saha fruity smells, subtle USB-like gadgets, and shifting social circles often provide the first some teens are beginning to recognise the dangers and speak out. The good news is that this issue is getting higher priority than before, the experts continuous pressure from courts, public health officials, and citizen groups, enforcement is being tightened,' Saxena challenge now is to maintain this momentum and ensure that the regulations are not just laws on paper but active shields protecting India's youth.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
No Tobacco Day: Experts warn of youth-targeted vaping ads using influencers and misleading claims
CHENNAI: Health experts, bureaucrats and social scientists have voiced grave concerns over the strategic marketing of vaping devices to school and college students through digital influencers, surrogate advertising, and misleading safety claims. Speaking at a seminar titled "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products", held in New Delhi on Thursday ahead of the World Health Organization's World No Tobacco Day 2025, experts highlighted the illegal promotion and increasing use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products (HTPs) among adolescents in India. This surge persists despite a nationwide ban under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019. Targeting Youth Through Gateway Devices The industry is reportedly exploiting social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to glamorise vaping as a trendy and safe lifestyle choice. According to individuals familiar with these tactics, covert promotional strategies—including the use of coded language like 'aroma sticks' and 'flavor drops'—along with influencer partnerships, are being used to bypass legal restrictions. As a result, online marketplaces and informal distribution networks continue to facilitate the sale of these products in defiance of the law, experts noted. Dr. Avinash Sunthlia, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health, outlined ongoing efforts to combat this trend. These include school awareness programs, influencer engagement, and the launch of an online reporting platform. He emphasized the growing number of cases involving the deliberate recruitment of new consumers through glamorized promotions. Special Commissioner of Police Jaspal Singh warned that vapes pose an even greater threat than cigarettes, citing their potential use for consuming hard drugs. He called for coordinated action among law enforcement, customs officials, transporters, and courier services to curb the illegal distribution of vaping products. Padma Jaiswal, a senior bureaucrat in the Government of Puducherry, applauded the civil initiative led by Mothers Against Vaping (MAV), the NGO that organized the seminar. She emphasized the need for greater public awareness, especially among parents and youth, about the legal status and health risks of vaping.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Nagpur police conduct overnight raids to bust illegal e-cigarette, hookah trade
Nagpur: In a meticulously planned overnight operation, Nagpur City Police cracked down on the illegal e-cigarette and tobacco trade, seizing a large quantity of contraband. The action-packed mission, dubbed 'Mission Axes,' concluded after nearly 12 hours on Wednesday morning. Teams led by commissioner of police Ravinder Singal raided 17 locations and searched 32 premises across the city. The raids yielded a massive haul, including 97 e-cigarettes, 345 hookah flavours, 69 hookah pots, pipes, charcoal heaters, mobile phones, mopeds, and cash — all valued at over ₹43 lakh. Offences have been registered against 26 accused across 13 police stations under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the Prohibited Flavoured Tobacco Act, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to police, the covert crackdown was part of a broader campaign titled 'Operation Thunder'. Acting on confidential intelligence regarding the storage and distribution of banned e-cigarettes, nicotine liquids, and hookah materials via a "web supply" network, Singal deployed 16 teams comprising 125 personnel and 25 officers to conduct simultaneous raids. The accused were reportedly offering home delivery services for these banned items. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 다가오는 여름, 부산시민이라면 지금 임플란트 할 기회입니다! 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo The operation targeted 13 Texas Smoke Shop outlets, two paan material stores, one godown, and several other locations. Each police team operated under strict confidentiality, with their designated locations disclosed only at the last moment through sealed envelopes to ensure the element of surprise. The seized contraband included several brands of imported cigarettes from the UAE and China. "Imported cigarettes are smuggled through sea routes to various Indian ports, from where they are transported to cities like Nagpur and further distributed," Singal said. Sources revealed that the prime accused, Ankush Shahu alias Ashish, was the main target of the operation. Over the past six years, Shahu sold the franchise of 'Texas Smoke Shop' to 14 outlets, which were found to be actively selling prohibited e-cigarettes and flavoured hookah products. Police recovered e-cigarettes, hookah pots, flavoured tobacco items, and materials worth ₹21.5 lakh — including ₹25,000 in cash — from Shahu's godown located at Sainagar in Dighori. The godown had reportedly been set up beneath a shrine to avoid drawing attention. "We are investigating the ownership of the 'Texas Smoke Shop' brand and probing possible copyright violations," said Singal, adding that many of the seized flavoured tobacco products contain chemical ingredients that need laboratory testing. "This is a historic surgical strike on the trade of tobacco and other addictive substances that are harming our youth. We have uncovered the supply chain, and now we will target the lounges, parlours, and other shady dens involved," he added. "This is not just an operation — it's a mission to protect our youth and society from the grip of harmful substances. We will continue to act decisively to uproot these dangerous trends," Singal asserted. Senior officers including DCP Rahul Maknikar, ACP Abhijeet Patil, Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, and Addl CP (Crime) Vasant Pardeshi played key roles in the mission. Senior inspectors Amol Deshmukh, Sandeep Buwa, Omprakash Sontakke, and Naikwade also made pivotal contributions. The raids were conducted in areas under the jurisdiction of MIDC, Rana Pratap Nagar, Sitabuldi, Sadar, Gittikhadan, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, Ajni, Wathoda, Hudkeshwar, Nandanvan, Jaripatka, and Beltarodi police stations. The investigation team is also coordinating with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and agencies like state and central excise departments for further action. The seized items will be disposed of following approval from the concerned authorities. Citizens encouraged to use 'MANAS' Authorities in Nagpur have urged people to use the national helpline 'MANAS' at 1933 to report any drug-related activity. The 24x7 service, operational since January 11, aims to strengthen citizen participation in the ongoing effort to build a drug-free India. Officials emphasise that tips provided by the public can play a critical role in identifying and dismantling narcotics networks operating in the city. All calls to the helpline will be kept confidential.
