Marking a bold and historic step toward a healthier and addiction-free Odisha, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched a year-long statewide campaign against tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. With Works, Law, and Excise Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan at the operational helm, the campaign signals the BJP-led government’s serious commitment to public health and social transformation.
“Addiction is a silent killer—and awareness is our strongest weapon.”
— CM Mohan Majhi
Launched on World No Tobacco Day, the campaign is set to reach every household, targeting schools, vulnerable communities, and urban-rural populations alike.
A Bold Vision, A Structured Mission
| Leader | Role |
| CM Mohan Majhi | Strategic visionary; unified the state to fight addiction |
| Minister Prithviraj Harichandan | Executor of ground-level reforms; architect of legal and policy overhaul |
Four Phases of Action, One Purpose: A Tobacco-Free Odisha
| Phase | Timeline | Objective |
| Phase 1 | May 31 – June 26 | Household awareness; IEC materials rollout |
| Phase 2 | June 26 – August 15 | Youth engagement, school outreach |
| Phase 3 | October 2 | Community mobilisation on Gandhi Jayanti |
| Phase 4 | Dec 25 – Jan 15, 2026 | Enforcement blitz & new excise compliance |
Prithviraj Harichandan: Turning Policy into Action
The campaign’s credibility lies in its execution model, driven by Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who is rapidly emerging as one of the state’s most decisive and reform-oriented ministers.
“We are not just launching a campaign—we’re leading a movement. The new Excise Policy will come down hard on illegal trade and habitual offenders.”
— Prithviraj Harichandan
Key initiatives under his leadership:
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Drafting of the Odisha Excise Bill 2025
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Creation of State Excise Intelligence Units
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Empowering Special Task Forces (STF) to shut down illicit networks
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Integrating civil society and youth clubs for grassroots penetration
Enforcement + Education = Lasting Impact
The Majhi-Harichandan framework combines strict enforcement with intensive education:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| STF Empowerment | Raids and seizure of illegal liquor and drugs |
| IEC Material Launch | Posters, videos, and leaflets for rural and urban masses |
| ToFEI App Launch | Schools & colleges can now self-audit tobacco compliance |
| Signature Campaign | Citizens pledge support for a drug-free Odisha |
| Logo & Theme Song | Launched to unite citizens with a shared anti-addiction identity |
Odisha’s Spirit Icons Join the Cause
Renowned sand artist and Nishamukti Abhiyan brand ambassador Sudarsan Patnaik added emotional depth to the event:
“This is not just about tobacco or alcohol—it’s about the soul of our state. Everyone must join hands.”
CM Majhi: “This Campaign Reflects the Soul of a New Odisha”
In his powerful address, CM Majhi said that this campaign isn’t just symbolic—it is a foundation stone for Viksit Odisha:
“If the only truth in life is death, why should it be painful? Say no to tobacco, say yes to life.”
He urged youth, women, schools, NGOs, and all departments to rally behind this movement.
A United Front Against Addiction
The campaign has unified Odisha’s lawmakers, educators, health experts, enforcement teams, and civil society, thanks to the decisive leadership of CM Mohan Majhi and the efficient execution of Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
Their joint resolve marks a new era of governance with compassion, accountability, and clarity of vision.
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