Minister for Health K.G. Arunraj inaugurated an awareness programme on the Tiruchengode government hospital premises on World No Tobacco Day on Sunday (May 31).The Minister, along with Minister for Dairy Development C. Vijayalakshmi and officials, took the World No Tobacco Day pledge. He also kicked off a signature campaign as part of the programme.Speaking at the function, Mr. Arunraj said this year’s theme of World No Tobacco Day was “Unmasking the appeal—countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.” In 2025, through the Food Safety Department, 2,371 kg of tobacco products were seized in Namakkal district and ₹1.07 crore in fine was slapped on shops that sold the items, the Minister added.Superintendent of Police (SP) S. Vimala, District Revenue Officer (DRO) Saravanan and officials from revenue and health departments participated in the function. Published - May 31, 2026 04:57 pm IST