The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) held its quarterly review meeting for the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha on December 3. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to revisit already certified tobacco-free campuses to ensure strict and sustained compliance. He appealed to institutional heads and village authorities to report any violations of tobacco control guidelines to the appropriate authorities.
Psychologist, District Tobacco Control Cell, Tshopei Khutsoh presented the district’s current tobacco-free status. A total of 118 educational institutions, 17 health centres, one dental clinic, three government offices, and one bank have been declared tobacco-free centres.
The meeting also highlighted key challenges in tobacco control. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), 43.3 percent of adults in Nagaland use tobacco. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4) further reports that 43 percent of school-going children aged 13 to 15 are also tobacco users. Despite regular enforcement drives, compliance with tobacco control laws remains inconsistent. Officials stressed the need for increased public awareness, stricter enforcement of existing laws, and improved access to cessation services.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Two villages namely, Okotso and Shaki were officially certified as tobacco-free village during the meeting. Both villages were commended for taking independent initiative in achieving this status. Additionally, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Wokha and the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Wokha were declared tobacco-free.
Twelve schools were also newly certified: GPS Sanis Village, GPS Sunglup Village, GPS Pangti A, GHS Wozhuro, GPS Koio, GPS Ruchan, GPS Meriyan, GPS L. Yanthung, Chukitong Area Baptist Mission School, GPS Aree New, and GHS Lotsu.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for collaborative efforts between government departments, educational institutions and village authorities to strengthen the district’s commitment to a tobacco-free future.
