EMN
Dimapur, April 27
A program hoping to push toward making Kohima town a smoke-free “city,” or, more precisely, a tobacco-free town, is being organized by students.
The campaign would be led by the students’ community of ‘tobacco-free schools’ in the town. Students will be staging a program at the Phoolbari junction, below the old MLA Hostel in Kohima on the 28th of April at 1:00 PM.
A note from the organizers this week stated that the program was being organized by the District Tobacco Control Cell of Kohima. The cell is under the department of Health and Family Welfare.
The deputy commissioner of the district, Rovilatuo Mor, will deliver a speech. The administrator of the Kohima Municipal Council, Kovi Meyase will preside over the programme.
Short speeches on the topic ‘harmful effects of smoking’ and ‘my vision for a smoke free Kohima’ will also be delivered by students of Mt. Sinai Higher Secondary School and the Government Higher Secondary School of Seikhazou.
Guidelines for Tobacco- free schools/ educational institutions
• Display of “Tobacco free School” or “Tobacco-free Institution” board at a prominent place on the boundary wall outside the main entrance.
• No sale of tobacco products inside the premises and within the radius of 100 yards from school / educational institutions and mandatory signage in this regard shall be displayed prominently near the main gate and on boundary wall of school / institute.
• No smoking or chewing of tobacco inside the premises of institution by students/ teachers/ other staff members / visitors.
• Display of sign boards “No Smoking Area- Smoking here is an offence”, of 60X30cm size inside the institution (as mandated by law).
• Posters with information about the harm effects of tobacco shall be displayed at prominent places in the school/ institutions.
• Students shall be encouraged to make their own posters on tobacco-control themes.
• A copy of the Cigarette and other tobacco products Act (COTPA) 2003 shall be available with the principal/ head of school/ institution.
• A “Tobacco Control Committee” shall be in place, led by school head/ principal, with members comprising of a science teacher, or any other teachers , school counsellor (if available), at least two NSS/NCC/scout students, at least two parents’ representatives, area MLA, area SHO, municipal councillor, member of PRIs, any other member.
• Integrate tobacco control activities with ongoing school health programme of the state
• Promote writing of Anti- tobacco slogans on the school / institute stationery.
• The principal / head of school / institute shall recognize tobacco control initiatives by students/ teachers/ other staff and certificates of appreciation or awards may be given.
• State Nodal Officer for Tobacco Control in the State Health
