Dimapur reviews National Tobacco Control Programme implementation, stressing stronger enforcement, awareness and community support.
DIMAPUR — The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) held its review meeting at the additional deputy commissioner's office chamber in Dimapur on Thursday.
According to a DIPR report, the meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Dr. Diana Patton and attended by representatives from government departments, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations.
During the meeting, District Nodal Officer of the National Tobacco Control Programme Dr. Esther Chophy called for stronger enforcement and greater support from the district administration to implement tobacco control measures across Dimapur.
Presenting the status of tobacco control in the district, Dr. Chophy stated that sustained awareness campaigns, enforcement drives, and community participation have contributed to a steady decline in tobacco use. Referring to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, she stated that overall tobacco use in Nagaland decreased from 56.8 per cent in 2009-10 to 43.3 per cent in 2016-17, while smoking declined from 31.5 per cent to 13.2 per cent, and smokeless tobacco use dropped from 45.3 per cent to 39.0 per cent.
She highlighted key provisions of the COTPA 2003, including the ban on smoking in public places, the prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to or by minors, and the restriction on sales within 100 yards of educational institutions. She urged schools, parents, and the community not to send children to purchase tobacco products and called for regular enforcement drives.
Expressing concern over limited resources, Dr. Chophy stated that the programme receives only INR 10,000 for three months, which is inadequate for regular inspections and enforcement. She appealed to the district administration for additional financial and logistical support.
Dr. Chophy also highlighted progress under the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions initiative, stating that 151 educational institutions in the Dimapur district have been declared tobacco-free, comprising 138 schools and 13 colleges. She added that four villages in the district have also been declared tobacco-free.
Earlier, welcoming the newly inducted members, Dr. Patton pointed out the vital role of women and civil society organisations in strengthening tobacco control efforts. She stated that women play a significant role in addressing social issues at the grassroots level and noted that Nagaland, being a community-based society, requires the active participation of civil society organisations to make tobacco control initiatives successful.
She urged civil society organisations to incorporate awareness programmes on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, in schools, communities, and villages. She added that while the government has constituted enforcement squads, their success depends on community support, calling on all stakeholders to work together toward a tobacco-free society.
The committee reviewed the implementation of the programme in the district and discussed measures to strengthen enforcement, enhance inter-departmental coordination, promote public awareness, and ensure stricter compliance.