DLCC holds meeting to tackle tobacco control in Kohima

DIMAPUR — The district level coordination committee (DLCC) meeting of the district tobacco control cell (DTCC), Kohima, was held at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall on Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DLCC, B Henok Buchem.

In his address, the DLCC chairman expressed deep concern over the growing exposure of children to tobacco at an early age and emphasised the vital role of teachers in shaping students’ awareness and behaviour, a DIPR report stated.

Buchem reminded that Nagaland Governor has authorised police personnel from the rank of head constable and teachers of educational institutions to act as enforcement officers for implementing Section 6(b) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions.

He urged teachers to continue engaging with students on the harmful effects of tobacco and highlighted that enforcement officers have the power to inspect, seize, impose fines, and investigate violations.

The meeting also discussed revamping the tobacco squad team and constituting a task force of teachers in all educational institutions to ensure stricter monitoring. The Education department will be issuing a notification to this effect, it stated.

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Presenting the activity report, social worker at DTCC Kohima, Achila Walling, highlighted that the first quarterly DLCC meeting was held on May 1 during which 13 schools were declared tobacco-free schools.

An enforcement drive was conducted on May 14 in the southern jurisdiction of Kohima, during which 29 violators were fined, and the seized items were destroyed on May 27.

Awareness programmes were also held at Mt. Hermon Higher Secondary School and Modern Higher Secondary School, while a poster-making competition was organised on May 29 as part of the World No Tobacco Day observance.

Walling also informed that the World No Tobacco Day programme was held on May 31 at Dr. Neilhousou Kire GHSS auditorium, with Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, Joint Director (Dental), as the special guest.

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Awareness drives continued from June to October across several institutions, including Crestview School, St. John School, Christ King Higher Secondary School, Baptist College, Vinyuzo Higher Secondary School, and Baptist High, Kohima.

Multiple enforcement drives were carried out in both the northern and southern jurisdictions of the district, resulting in fines and seizure of tobacco products under Section 6(b) of COTPA, she added.

Dr. Neingutunuo, District Nodal Officer, DTCC Kohima, presented on Tobacco Vendor Licensing (TVL) and Tobacco-Free Declaration. She reported that Mengujuma village and three schools — GMS Mengujuma, GMS Phesama, and Modern Higher Secondary School, Kohima — have been declared tobacco-free and were awarded certificates during the meeting.

Dr. Neingutunuo also informed that around 14 lakh lives are lost every year in India due to tobacco-related diseases, with the median age of initiation between eight and 10 years. Despite COTPA, 2003, the tobacco industry continues to employ tactics that hinder effective implementation of the law, she said.

She emphasised that tobacco vendor licensing requires vendors to obtain a valid license from municipal or local authorities to sell tobacco products.

This measure helps regulate sales, protect minors, reduce accessibility near schools, ensure compliance with COTPA, and support public health enforcement mechanisms.

She further informed that in Nagaland, a TVL policy was introduced on February 6, 2024, authorising urban local bodies (ULBs) to implement vendor licensing with the active involvement of municipal officers.

The discussions focused on enforcement, awareness and vendor licensing to curb tobacco use.