A one-day training on the implementation of Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines for teachers and officers from the police and education department was conducted on 15 November at DRDA Conference Hall Mon.

The training was organised by the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Mon.

Dr Amenla, Jr Dental Specialist, District Hospital Mon, highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. She spoke about passive and thirdhand smoking, and also highlighted the effects of betel nuts. She said the use of betel nuts increases the risk of cancer, especially mouth cancer.

E Nyeamying Konyak, District Consultant, DTCC Mon briefed the participants about the guidelines of ToFEI. Speaking on the topic, she emphasised the role of the school management and authorities in the effective implementation of ToFEI guidelines.

She also highlighted the provisions of COTPA 2003 concerning educational institutions and its penalties.

COTPA 2003 – The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) – was enacted by the Parliament of India in 2003.

The Act, among others, prohibits selling of tobacco products to persons below the age of 18 years and in places within 100 yards radius of an educational institution.

Konyak also introduced the Tobacco Free App to the participants. Through this app, the educational institution may use a self-evaluation scorecard to declare the school tobacco-free and also report a violation of COTPA 2003.

Bejem, AEO, DEO Office Mon, in her concluding remark encouraged the participants to share their learnings from the training with others at their respective schools. She also urged the school management to ensure that no shops sell tobacco products within 100 yards of the educational institution.

The programme was chaired by Kenie Thong, Counselor District Hospital Mon.