The District Tobacco Control Cell, Mon, launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 at Sacred Heart School, Mon, on 28th October 2026 at 8:00 AM, with the aim of promoting a healthy, tobacco-free environment among the youth and raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

The campaign, an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and the Ministry of Education is being implemented over a period of 60 days to protect young people from the use of traditional tobacco products as well as electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes and vapes. The programme brought together officials from the district administration, school authorities, teachers, students, health department and representatives of the District Tobacco Control Cell.

Chairman of Sacred Heart School, Mon, Dr. M. H. Daniel, delivered the welcome address and extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, officials, teachers and students present on the occasion. Emphasising the importance of the campaign, he called upon the students to make responsible choices and recognise their role in shaping a healthier future. He stated that combating tobacco use was not solely the responsibility of the government but a collective responsibility requiring the participation of every individual.

Consultant, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Mon, E. Nyeamying Konyak highlighted the objectives and key focus areas of Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0. She explained that the national initiative aims to safeguard the health and well-being of young people through awareness, enforcement and community participation. She outlined the campaign's four major focus areas: enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, to prevent the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions; implementation of Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines; expansion of the Tobacco-Free Villages initiative; and intensified efforts to address the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.

She further emphasised that the success of the campaign depended on active grassroots participation, individual responsibility and collective action. She encouraged students, educational institutions and communities to carry the campaign's message beyond the event and translate it into everyday choices and practices.

The campaign was officially launched by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Pakon Phom, NCS, who attended as the guest of honour. In his address, he underscored the importance of a healthy youth population in building a healthy nation. Highlighting the serious health consequences associated with tobacco consumption, including cancer and respiratory diseases, he urged students to remain tobacco-free, resist peer pressure and inspire others to adopt healthy lifestyles. He called upon everyone to work towards making families, educational campuses, institutions and society free from tobacco.

The programme also featured a pledge-taking session led by Dr. Lihngam, Junior Dental Surgeon, District Hospital Mon, reinforcing the commitment of participants to a tobacco free lifestyle. The programme was conducted in accordance with the scheduled order of proceedings, which included the welcome address, presentation of campaign objectives, official launch and pledge-taking.

Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 calls for sustained efforts to protect young people from tobacco use and nicotine addiction through awareness, enforcement and community engagement. The District Tobacco Control Cell, Mon, urged students, teachers, parents, educational institutions and the public to actively participate in the campaign and contribute towards creating a healthier, tobacco-free future

(M. Pelih, IA Mon)