Stakeholders discuss key issues and challenges in
implementing tobacco control measures during the NTCP review meeting at the DC
conference hall in Dimapur on Friday.
- DIMAPUR — The
district-level co-ordination committee of the National Tobacco Control
Programme (NTCP) held a review meeting at the DC conference hall, Dimapur, on
Friday.
- According to a DIPR report, the session focused on key
issues concerning tobacco control initiatives in the district and reviewed the
progress made in the last two quarters.
- The meeting was chaired by Yanthungbemo Kikon, NCSSDO
(Civil), with Dr. N Moa Jamir, District Nodal Officer, highlighting the COTPA
Act 2003 and various tobacco control laws and penalties enforced in the state.
He also emphasised the importance of tobacco cessation support, urging
individuals to seek help at District Hospitals or CIHSR, Dimapur, or call the
national helpline 1800-11-235.
- A PowerPoint presentation outlined the achievements and
challenges of the NTCP over the past two quarters. The third and fourth quarter
activity report was presented, showcasing initiatives such as the launch of the
60 Days Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0, 10 school awareness programmes, nine
community awareness programmes, 2 COTPA enforcement drives, and 10 focus group
discussions (FGDs) on tobacco-free educational institution (ToFEI) guidelines
with teachers.
- One of the key highlights of the meeting was the declaration
and distribution of ToFEI certificates to schools and colleges that have
successfully implemented tobacco-free policies.
- The following institutions received the certificates: Touch
of Hope School, Shokhuvi; GPS/GMS, Naga New Model (AO); The Family Tree School,
Kushiabell; Carewell School, Dimapur; PM GMS, Showuba Old; Shalom Mission
School, Doyapur; Blue Star School, Singrijan; Government High School, Molvom;
Mount Mary Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima; and Dayanand Vidya Niketan.
- The meeting also included discussions on the challenges in
implementing the NTCP, with representatives from student unions and social
organisations sharing insights on enforcement, public awareness, and policy
execution. Future NTCP initiatives were also deliberated upon.
