The First Puff Can Cost a Lifetime: Understanding the Hazards of Tobacco

By Vaibhavi Sharma, Student, Amity University, Noida | Intern – PRAN Foundation

This article was researched and written by a PRAN Virtual Internship Programme intern. See how you can do work like this too →

Tobacco use continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death worldwide. Every cigarette smoked, every packet of gutkha consumed, and every bidi lit contributes to a growing public health crisis that affects not only users but also their families and communities.

As a student volunteer with PRAN Foundation, researching the hazards of tobacco helped me understand that tobacco is far more than a personal habit—it is a social, health, and policy challenge that demands collective action.

Tobacco: More Than Just Nicotine

Tobacco contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and several carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances. While nicotine creates addiction, the remaining toxic chemicals gradually damage nearly every organ of the human body.

In India, tobacco is consumed in various forms, including:

Cigarettes
Bidis
Cigars
Hookah
Gutkha
Khaini
Zarda
Chewing tobacco

Each of these products poses serious health risks and contributes to diseases that are largely preventable.

Tobacco in India: A Growing Public Health Concern

India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco. Tobacco consumption remains widespread in both urban and rural areas, with higher prevalence often reported in rural communities.

According to available data:

Around 28–29% of Indian adults aged 15 years and above use some form of tobacco.
Approximately 42% of men and 14% of women consume tobacco.
India records one of the highest incidences of oral cancer due to the widespread use of smokeless tobacco products.

These figures demonstrate that tobacco continues to pose a major challenge for India’s healthcare system and public health efforts.

The Serious Health Consequences

The harmful effects of tobacco extend far beyond addiction. Regular tobacco use significantly increases the risk of:

Lung cancer
Oral cancer
Heart disease
Stroke
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Respiratory illnesses
Reduced immunity
Pregnancy-related complications

Equally concerning is second-hand smoke, which exposes non-smokers—including children and older adults—to serious health risks such as asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular diseases.

Why Young People Need Greater Protection

Adolescence is one of the most important stages of physical and mental development. Exposure to nicotine during this period affects memory, concentration, learning ability, and decision-making skills.

Young tobacco users are more likely to become addicted early in life, making quitting much more difficult in adulthood. Tobacco also affects young people’s lives beyond health. It can lead to:

Poor academic performance
Reduced physical fitness
Financial burden
Increased absenteeism
Lower self-confidence
Greater vulnerability to peer pressure and substance abuse

Protecting young people from tobacco is therefore an investment in India’s future.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Preventing tobacco use begins with awareness and education. Families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities all have an important role in helping children and adolescents understand the harmful consequences of tobacco use.

Effective prevention includes:

Public awareness campaigns
School-based health education
Community outreach programmes
Family support
Smoke-free homes and public places
Access to counselling and tobacco cessation services
Encouraging healthy lifestyles through sports and physical activity

Every effort to discourage tobacco initiation can help save lives.

India’s Legal Framework Against Tobacco

India has adopted several important measures to reduce tobacco consumption. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003:

Prohibits smoking in many public places.
Restricts tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
Mandates pictorial health warnings on tobacco products.
Prohibits the sale of tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age.
Restricts tobacco sales within 100 yards of educational institutions.

India has also implemented the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) to strengthen awareness, enforce tobacco-control laws, and provide tobacco cessation services.

Further, India is a Party to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), which promotes stronger tobacco control through taxation, public education, packaging regulations, and protection from second-hand smoke.

A Collective Responsibility

A tobacco-free society cannot be achieved by government action alone. Parents, teachers, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and young people themselves all have an important role in preventing tobacco addiction.

Every informed decision to reject tobacco contributes to a healthier family, a healthier community, and a healthier nation.

Student Reflection

Working on the topic “Hazards of Tobacco” has helped me understand the serious health, social, and economic consequences of tobacco use. I realised that tobacco not only causes life-threatening diseases but also affects families, communities, and the environment.

Studying India’s tobacco-control laws and preventive measures has shown me the importance of public awareness and effective policy implementation. This experience has inspired me to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle and encourage others to make healthier choices.

I believe that educating young people today can help build a healthier and more responsible society tomorrow.

About the Author

Vaibhavi Sharma is a student of Amity University, Noida, and a volunteer with PRAN Foundation. This article has been prepared as part of the PRAN Foundation Internship Programme, which provides students with practical exposure to legal research, public policy, consumer rights, public health advocacy, and evidence-based public awareness writing.

Interested in making a difference? Students who wish to contribute to public interest research, legal awareness, and policy advocacy can learn more about the PRAN Foundation Internship Programme at: https://www.publicrightaction.org/2026/05/join-prans-virtual-internship-programme.html

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and public awareness purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. Individuals seeking to quit tobacco should consult qualified healthcare professionals or recognised tobacco cessation services.

Who’s Paying the Price? The Hazards of Tobacco on Youth Health- By Kush Bhardwaj (Intern with PRAN)

By Kush Bhardwaj

An intern at Policy Research Action Network (PRAN) Foundation | Student, Amity University Noida

This report was researched and written by a PRAN Virtual Internship Programme intern. See how you can do work like this too →

Across India, a new generation is being targeted by an old industry. From flavored vapes to trendy packaging, tobacco is being sold as a lifestyle — but the cost is paid in damaged lungs, weakened hearts, and stolen futures. Every year, thousands of young lives are cut short, while many more live with illnesses that could have been prevented. This is not a personal choice — it is a public health emergency. Our youth deserve clean air, honest information, and a tobacco-free future.

Youth tobacco use awareness illustration

India is home to the world’s largest adolescent population, with more than 250 million young people between the ages of 10 and 19. Their health and well-being will determine the nation’s future. Yet, despite decades of public health campaigns, tobacco continues to find new users among teenagers and young adults. What was once associated primarily with cigarettes has evolved into a broader range of products including bidis, chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini, hookah, and increasingly, electronic nicotine products marketed through social media.

As a biotechnology student and an intern working with the Policy Research Action Network (PRAN) Foundation, I have come to realize that tobacco use is not merely an individual lifestyle choice. It is a preventable public health crisis that disproportionately affects young people, particularly those exposed to tobacco products near educational institutions or influenced by peer pressure and aggressive marketing.

This report aims to understand the extent of tobacco use among youth, with a special focus on Haryana and Delhi, while examining the effectiveness of current laws and identifying practical measures that can create lasting change.

Early Exposure. Lifelong Consequences.

The earlier a young mind is exposed to tobacco, the higher the risk of addiction and chronic disease later in life. Nicotine affects brain development, leading to impaired focus, memory, and emotional well-being. This is not just a habit — it’s a hijacking of potential.

The National Picture: According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2, 2016–17), approximately 28.6% of Indian adults use tobacco in some form. Although this survey primarily measures adult consumption, research consistently shows that the majority of tobacco users begin before the age of 21. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4 India, 2019) reported that nearly 8.5% of students aged 13–15 years currently use some form of tobacco. Even more concerning is the widespread exposure to second-hand smoke, tobacco advertisements, and retail outlets located close to schools.

Why Young People Start Using Tobacco

Most teenagers do not begin using tobacco because they fully understand its consequences. Instead, several social and environmental factors influence their decisions. Common contributing factors include:

Peer pressure and the desire to fit in.
Stress related to academics and examinations.
Curiosity and experimentation.
Attractive product packaging and flavouring.
Influence of movies, online content, and social media.
Easy availability near schools despite legal restrictions.
Misconceptions that occasional smoking is harmless.

Health Consequences Beyond the Lungs

Health effects of tobacco beyond the lungs

Tobacco harms more than the lungs. It weakens the heart, damages blood vessels, reduces immunity, and increases the risk of cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders. For youth, it can mean stunted growth, poor stamina, and a life of avoidable health battles. Regular tobacco consumption increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, oral/throat cancers, COPD, and reduced cognitive performance.

The Law Already Exists

India has established comprehensive tobacco control legislation through the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Provisions include the prohibition of sales to those under 18, a ban on sales within 100 yards of schools, mandatory health warnings, and advertising restrictions. However, the challenge today is not the absence of legislation — it is inconsistent implementation.

Recommendations for Stronger Tobacco Control

Addressing youth tobacco use requires coordinated action involving government, educational institutions, and communities. Recommendations include:

Strengthen enforcement: Conduct regular inspections around schools and strictly enforce the 100-yard prohibition.
Expand school education: Integrate scientifically accurate tobacco education into school curricula.
Support cessation: Improve access to counselling and youth-friendly tobacco cessation clinics.
Regulate marketing: Monitor indirect advertising through social media and prevent promotional activities targeting adolescents.
Community participation: Encourage students to report illegal tobacco sales and establish school health committees.

How Can You Help?

Change begins with one informed decision. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Speak Up: Report illegal tobacco sales near schools and colleges.
Spread Awareness: Share facts, not myths, about tobacco and nicotine.
Support Others: Encourage friends and family to quit without judgment.
Lead by Example: Choose a tobacco-free lifestyle and inspire those around you.
Get Involved: Volunteer for awareness campaigns and community initiatives.
Join Our Mission: If you are a student or professional passionate about public policy and community health, we invite you to join the PRAN Virtual Internship Programme to help shape healthier communities.

About the Author & Internship
PRAN Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to creating healthier and more informed communities. My internship with the Policy Research Action Network (PRAN) Foundation gave me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful social initiatives.

My internship and work at PRAN (4 June 2026 – 24 June 2026):

Conducted surveys of shopkeepers across Rohtak to understand tobacco availability and consumption patterns.
Interacted with children living in slum communities to educate them about the health hazards of tobacco.
Participated in community awareness campaigns encouraging tobacco-free lifestyles.

A tobacco-free generation won’t happen by chance — it will happen because people like you choose to take action.

By Kush
[ An intern at PRAN Foundation | Student at Amity University, Noida ]

Bridging the Justice Gap: Why the Proposed MACT Interim Compensation Reform is a Landmark Step

By Adv. Amarjeet Singh, Founder, PRAN – Policy Research Action Network Foundation

Bridging the Justice Gap: Can Interim Compensation Transform Motor Accident Justice in India?

Analysing the Government's Proposal to Empower MACTs to Grant Interim Compensation

📰 In the News

The issue recently entered the national policy discourse following a report published in The Times of India titled "Driving test for repeat offenders, interim compensation for crash victims on cards" (6 July 2026), authored by Special Correspondent Dipak K. Dash.

The report highlights the Government's reported proposal to introduce a statutory mechanism enabling MACTs to grant interim compensation to road accident victims during the pendency of compensation proceedings, along with other proposed road safety reforms. I had the opportunity to comment on the proposal in the report:

"The move to allow interim compensation by MACT tribunals is welcome considering that such cases often face delays in final disposal."

I thank The Times of India and Mr. Dipak K. Dash for including my views in this important national discussion on road safety and victim compensation. See the news for details at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/driving-test-for-repeat-offenders-interim-compensation-for-crash-victims-on-cards/articleshow/132202904.cms

"Justice delayed is justice denied" is more than a legal maxim. For thousands of road accident victims, delayed compensation can mean interrupted medical treatment, mounting debt, loss of livelihood, and prolonged uncertainty.

Every road accident creates two battles. The first is the struggle for survival. The second begins after the victim leaves the hospital—the long journey through legal proceedings, insurance claims, medical rehabilitation, and financial hardship.

While emergency treatment demands immediate financial resources, compensation proceedings before Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) frequently take years to conclude. This gap between injury and relief remains one of the weakest links in India's road accident compensation framework.

Against this backdrop, the Union Government's reported proposal to empower MACTs to grant interim compensation represents one of the most significant victim-centric reforms under consideration in recent years.

From Road Safety to Post-Accident Justice

This proposal resonates with concerns I previously raised in my opinion article, "Justice Unserved: Why the Forgotten Phase of Road Accidents Needs Urgent Reform," published by The Hindu and reproduced on the PRAN website.

That article argued that India's road safety discourse has traditionally focused on preventing accidents while paying comparatively little attention to what happens after an accident occurs.

For accident victims and their families, the real challenges often begin only after the crash:

prolonged hospitalization;
permanent disability;
loss of employment;
rehabilitation;
insurance disputes; and
lengthy compensation proceedings.

Road safety must therefore be understood not merely as preventing accidents but also as ensuring timely justice and effective rehabilitation for those affected.

The Government's latest proposal appears to acknowledge one of these long-standing structural concerns.

Key Takeaways

✔ The proposal is not yet law.

✔ Presently, MACTs have no general statutory power to grant interim compensation in pending Section 166 claims.

✔ Section 164 provides statutory no-fault compensation but is not equivalent to interim compensation during litigation.

✔ If enacted, the proposal could significantly improve access to justice for road accident victims.

What Does the Law Provide Today?

Understanding the current legal framework is essential before assessing the proposed reform.

Earlier Position: Section 140

Before the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, Section 140 of the Motor Vehicles Act provided no-fault compensation.

Victims could receive immediate statutory compensation without proving negligence:

₹50,000 in case of death;
₹25,000 in case of permanent disablement.

This amount was later adjusted against the final award. However, Section 140 was omitted following the 2019 amendment.

Present Position: Section 164

The current no-fault compensation provision is Section 164.

It provides:

₹5 lakh for death; and
₹2.5 lakh for grievous hurt,

without requiring proof of negligence.

While Section 164 is an important social welfare provision, it is not designed as an interim compensation mechanism during the pendency of a fault-based compensation claim. This distinction is often overlooked in public discussions.

Claims under Section 166

Most accident compensation cases continue to be filed under Section 166.

These proceedings generally require:

proof of negligence;
documentary evidence;
medical records;
examination of witnesses;
assessment of disability or dependency; and
determination of liability.

Consequently, proceedings frequently remain pending for several years.

At present, there is no express statutory provision empowering MACTs to routinely grant interim monetary relief simply because the claim petition is pending.

Why Existing Compensation Mechanisms Are Not Enough

One of the most common misconceptions is that Section 164 already solves the problem. It does not.

Section 164 creates a separate statutory compensation regime.

The Government's reported proposal addresses an entirely different issue.

· Consider a victim suffering spinal injuries.

· Medical expenses begin immediately.

· Income stops immediately.

· Rehabilitation begins immediately.

· Yet compensation proceedings may continue for years.

· The proposed interim compensation mechanism seeks to bridge precisely this gap.

What Has the Government Proposed?

According to the reported proposal, the Government intends to expressly empower MACTs to grant interim compensation before the final disposal of compensation claims.

The proposal reportedly also includes:

mandatory driving tests for repeat traffic offenders;
increasing the appeal threshold before High Courts from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh; and
restrictions on fresh driving licences following licence revocation.

Among these proposals, interim compensation carries the greatest humanitarian significance.

Current Law vs Proposed Reform

Current Legal Position	Proposed Reform
No general statutory power for MACTs to grant interim compensation in pending Section 166 claims.	Express statutory authority for MACTs to grant interim compensation.
Victims frequently wait years for financial relief.	Early financial assistance during litigation.
No uniform nationwide mechanism.	Uniform statutory framework proposed.
Medical expenses remain immediate burdens.	Financial assistance during treatment and rehabilitation.

Many jurisdictions recognise that accident victims require financial assistance long before final judicial determination of liability. Various legal systems provide interim payments, advance insurance settlements, or structured compensation mechanisms that ensure victims receive timely support.

India's proposed reform reflects the same humanitarian principle: Compensation should respond to immediate human needs rather than only final judicial outcomes.

PRAN's Perspective

At the Policy Research Action Network (PRAN) Foundation, we believe that road safety policy should not conclude with accident prevention.

It must also encompass:

timely compensation;
rehabilitation;
legal aid;
insurance accountability; and
access to justice.

The proposed reform marks an important shift from a liability-centric model towards a victim-centric framework.

PRAN Recommendations

PRAN recommends that any legislative amendment should incorporate the following safeguards.

Legislative Measures

Clearly define eligibility for interim compensation.
Specify the stage at which applications may be entertained.
Ensure that interim compensation does not prejudice claims under Section 166.

Decide interim applications within 30–60 days.
Provide simplified procedures based on prima facie evidence.
Prescribe transparent adjustment against the final award.

Clearly identify whether insurers or the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund will initially bear liability.
Standardise procedures across all MACTs.
Introduce digital monitoring to ensure timely compliance.

Looking Beyond Compensation

The proposal should be viewed as part of a broader reform agenda. India's road safety framework should eventually integrate:

emergency medical care;
psychological counselling;
rehabilitation;
insurance settlement;
legal assistance; and
long-term victim support.

True road safety extends beyond preventing accidents—it includes restoring lives after accidents occur.

Conclusion

The Government's reported proposal to empower Motor Accident Claims Tribunals to grant interim compensation has the potential to redefine motor accident compensation in India.

If enacted with appropriate safeguards, it will represent more than a procedural amendment. It will recognise that justice is meaningful only when it reaches victims in time to make a difference.

Road safety should not end when the accident occurs.

It should continue until every victim receives timely medical care, meaningful financial assistance, effective rehabilitation, and fair access to justice.

That is the justice gap this proposal seeks to bridge—and one that PRAN Foundation will continue to address through research, legal advocacy, and evidence-based policy engagement.