The District Level Coordination Committee Quarterly Meeting of the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Kohima, was held at the DC’s Office Conference Hall, Kohima, on 1st May 2025, with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, chairing the meeting.
Buchem shared that, in earlier times, white teeth were not considered manly; however, today the perception has changed completely. He commended the committee for undertaking various initiatives, especially awareness programs in schools. “Today, children are the ones spreading awareness about the ill effects of tobacco at home,” he said.
District Nodal Officer of DTCC Kohima, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, explained that schools are declared Tobacco-Free only after fulfilling the guidelines, upon which they are awarded a certificate. He elaborated on the types of smokers—active, passive, and third-hand—and emphasized the importance of displaying 'No Tobacco' signage in public places.
Dr. Sumi also highlighted key provisions of the Tobacco Control Law, such as the prohibition of smoking in public places, ban on advertisements of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and restrictions on the sale of such products to persons below 18 years of age or in restricted areas. He added that if a shopkeeper violates these rules, the first offence attracts a penalty of Rs. 200, the second offence leads to the closure of the shop for 15 days, and the third offence results in a fine along with cancellation of the trade license.
On this occasion, 13 schools were declared Tobacco-Free: 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, GMS Phezoucha.
Social Worker of DTCC Kohima, Achila Walling, presented a PowerPoint report on the activities carried out by the District Tobacco Control Cell, Kohima.
(DPRO, Kohima)
