DC Mon, Thavaseelan K, IAS, on 16th August 2021 launched the Smoke Free District Headquarter Campaign at the Conference Room of the Office of DC Mon. The launch was held along with the District Level Coordination Committee review meeting. 

Speaking at the launch, Thavaseelan stressed on the importance of making people aware about the harms of "2nd Hand Smoking" (Passive smoking) and hoped that through the campaign those people smoking at home would be made aware of the harms that they are causing to their loved ones. He stated that the public should be made aware that it is a crime to smoke in public as per Section 4 of the COPTA 2003. 

Nodal Officer, NTCP Mon, Dr. I Simon Sumi highlighted some of the aims and objectives of the Campaign which includes creating awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and smoking in public places, sensitising people of the Section 4 of COPTA 2003 which bans and penalizes smoking in public places, encouraging people to quit smoking. He also laid down the strategies for the Campaign such as sensitizing all HoDs, District Anti-Tobacco Squads, regular enforcement drives, advocacy with NGOs, Civil Societies and Church and Schools as Campaign Ambassadors. 

The Committee deliberated on the activities for the Campaign in matters of leaflets/pamphlets, videos on harmful effects of smoking and legal penalties, posting of signage in Offices, Institutions and across strategic locations in the town, choosing the right school for the Campaign Ambassador. With 11 schools in the town declared as tobacco free, the Committee also deliberated on making more educational institutions and schools across the District tobacco free. 

The vote of thanks was delivered by District Consultant, NTCP Mon, E. Nyeamying Konyak. St. Joseph's School Mon received a Tobacco Free School Certificate. 

The launch cum meeting was attended by officers from various Departments. 

                                                                                    (Renbenthung, IA Mon)