Tobacco-free generation: reflecting on progress globally and its potential feasibility in India

Tobacco-free generation (TFG) policies, also conceptualised as smoke-free or nicotine-free generation in some geographies, envision the elimination of tobacco use initiation by preventing tobacco sales to generations born after a specified birth date. This cohort-based policy approach eventually aims to phase out tobacco use. This paper defines TFG, reviews its international developments and explores the feasibility of the TFG policy approach in India, considering the country's federal governance structure with health as a state responsibility, within a national policy framework. Our review suggests that the concept of TFG aligns well with existing tobacco control measures in India, such as the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the National Tobacco Control Programme, Tobacco-free Educational Institutes and innovations such as tobacco vendor licensing and various tobacco-free campaigns. Amending section 6(a) of COTPA to replace the current prohibition of sale to and by those below 18 years of age with a specific section on TFG would be an effective approach to ensure policy coherence. Supporting grassroots movements countrywide at the state and/or substate level may activate the process within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to table this proposal as an amendment in Section 6 of COTPA for the Parliament to adopt.