Dimapur: The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) held its review meeting on Thursday at the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s office chamber, Dimapur, under the chairmanship of ADC, Dr. Diana Patton. The meeting was attended by representatives from government departments, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.
According to a DIPR report, welcoming newly inducted members, Dr. Patton underscored the vital role of women and civil society organisations in strengthening tobacco control efforts. She noted that women play a significant role in addressing social issues at the grassroots level and stressed that Nagaland, being a community-based society, requires active participation from civil society organisations to make tobacco control initiatives successful. She urged organisations to incorporate awareness programmes on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, not only in schools but also in communities and villages. While enforcement squads have been constituted for effective implementation of tobacco control laws, she emphasised that their success depends on community cooperation.
District Nodal Officer NTCP, Dr. Esther Chophy, called for stronger enforcement and greater support from the district administration to effectively implement tobacco control measures. Presenting the status of tobacco control in Dimapur, she highlighted that sustained awareness campaigns, enforcement drives and community participation have contributed to a steady decline in tobacco use. Referring to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), she noted that overall tobacco use in Nagaland decreased from 56.8% in 2009–10 to 43.3% in 2016–17, with smoking declining from 31.5% to 13.2% and smokeless tobacco use from 45.3% to 39.0%.
Dr. Chophy outlined key provisions of the COTPA Act, including the ban on smoking in public places, prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to or by minors and restrictions on sales within 100 yards of educational institutions. She urged schools, parents and communities not to send children to purchase tobacco products and stressed the need for regular enforcement drives involving police and district administration. Expressing concern over limited resources, she revealed that the programme receives only Rs. 10,000 for three months, which is inadequate for regular inspections and enforcement activities. She appealed for additional financial and logistical support while thanking stakeholders for their cooperation in creating a tobacco-free environment.
Highlighting progress under the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions initiative, Dr. Chophy informed that 151 institutions in Dimapur district — comprising 138 schools and 13 colleges — have been declared tobacco-free. Additionally, four villages have also been declared tobacco-free, reflecting growing participation from both educational institutions and communities.
The committee reviewed the implementation of the NTCP in the district and discussed measures to strengthen enforcement of the COTPA Act. Members deliberated on enhancing inter-departmental coordination, promoting public awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco use and ensuring stricter compliance with tobacco control regulations, reaffirming their commitment to building a tobacco-free society.
