13 schools in Kohima declared tobacco-free

B Henok Buchem along with other officials and representatives of tobacco-free schools during a meeting of DTCC in Kohima on Thursday.

• DIMAPUR — A total of 13 schools in Kohima namely Assam Rifles Public School, St. Andrews School Jotsoma, The Beanstalk School, School of Nursing NHAK, Rev. Dr. Neiliezhu Usou Memorial School, GMS New Ministers’ Hill, GHS Midland, GHSS Jotsoma, GHS Tasazhu Jotsoma, GHS Meriema, GMS Daklane, GMS Bayavü and GMS Phezoucha were declared tobacco-free.
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• The declaration was made during the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) quarterly meeting of the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Kohima, held on Thursday under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner (DC) of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, at his office conference hall, stated a DIPR report.
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• Speaking at the meeting, Buchem shared that in earlier times; white teeth were not considered manly. He, however, stated that the perception has changed completely today. In this regard, he commended the committee for undertaking various initiatives, especially awareness programmes in schools.

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• “Today, children are the ones spreading awareness about the ill effects of tobacco at home,” he said.
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• The district nodal officer of DTCC, Dr. I Simon Sumi, explained that schools are declared tobacco-free only after fulfilling the guidelines, upon which they are awarded a certificate. He elaborated on the types of smokers such as active, passive and third-hand and emphasised the importance of displaying 'No Tobacco' signage in public places.
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• Dr. Sumi also highlighted key provisions of the tobacco control law such as prohibition of smoking in public places, ban on advertisements of cigarettes and other tobacco products and restrictions on the sale of such products to persons below 18 years of age or in restricted areas. He added that shopkeepers who violate those rules are penalised with a fine of INR 200 for first offence, followed by closure of the shop for 15 days for second offence and fine along with cancellation of the trade license the third offence.
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• A social worker of DTCC, Kohima, Achila Walling, made a powerpoint presentatopm on the activities carried out by the District Tobacco Control Cell, Kohima.