DC Kohima, B. Henok Buchem and officials with awardees of Tobacco-Free school during the quarterly meeting of District Tobacco Control Cell Kohima held at DC’s Office, Kohima on May 1.
KOHIMA, MAY 1 (MExN): The quarterly meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee under the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Kohima, was held on May 1 at the DC’s Office Conference Hall, Kohima. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS.
According to a DIPR report, DC Buchem remarked on the shifting societal perceptions regarding tobacco use, noting that in earlier times, white teeth were not seen as masculine, but today the awareness around oral hygiene and health risks associated with tobacco has significantly increased. He appreciated the efforts of the committee, particularly its outreach in schools. “Today, children themselves are spreading awareness about the ill effects of tobacco at home,” he stated.
Dr I. Simon Sumi, District Nodal Officer, DTCC Kohima, explained the criteria for schools to be declared Tobacco-Free, stating that only after fulfilling all prescribed guidelines are schools awarded certification. He also elaborated on the different types of tobacco exposure—active, passive, and third-hand—and emphasized the need for proper signage displaying 'No Tobacco' in public areas.
Dr Sumi further highlighted key provisions of the Tobacco Control Law, including a ban on smoking in public places, prohibition of advertisements of tobacco products, and restrictions on the sale of tobacco to minors and in restricted zones. He stated that shopkeepers violating these rules face increasing penalties: ₹200 for the first offence, 15-day closure for the second, and fines along with trade license cancellation for the third offence.
On the occasion, 13 schools in Kohima were officially declared Tobacco-Free. These include Assam Rifles Public School, St. Andrews School Jotsoma, The Beanstalk School, School of Nursing NHAK, Rev Dr Neiliezhu Usou Memorial School, GMS New Ministers’ Hill, GHS Midland, GHSS Jotsoma, GHS Tasazhu Jotsoma, GHS Meriema, GMS Daklane, GMS Bayavü, and GMS Phezoucha.
A PowerPoint presentation highlighting the activities of DTCC Kohima was presented by Achila Walling, Social Worker, DTCC.
