Nagaland 8 schools in Tseminyu declared tobacco-free

Deputy commissioner of Tseminyu, Japheth Woch, on November 26 declared eight schools in the district as tobacco-free during a workshop on tobacco control for stakeholders held at DC’s conference hall, Tseminyu.
The schools declared tobacco-free are: GHS Chunlikha, Jireh School Chunlikha, BHSS Tseminyu, GHSS Tseminyu, AG School Tseminyu, GHS Tseminyu, and GHS Sendinyu.
As part of the initiative under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Nagaland, the DC also launched the smoke-free campaign in the district headquarters and declared the Tobacco-Free office in the district.
Delivering the keynote address, deputy director and state nodal officer NTCP, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, said the NTCP aims to strengthen COTPA 2003 and promote tobacco-free schools, offices, and public places to support people who want to quit tobacco. He stressed on building enforcement capacity among staff, teachers, village councils, and community groups. Highlighting guidelines for tobacco-free educational institutions, Dr. Simon said district leadership was crucial, as consistency in enforcement, documentation, and community mobilization determined the success of NTCP on the ground. He further emphasized convergence between health, police, education, municipal bodies, Church, and civil society to ensure lasting change.
DTCC consultant NTCP, Dr. Linoka Awomi, spoke on legal provisions and policies preventing minors’ access to tobacco under COTPA 2003, PECA 2019, and the Juvenile Justice Act. Joint director and state programme officer, National Oral Health Programme, Dr. Reyosalu Lase, chaired the programme and delivered the welcome address. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by EAC Tseminyu, Molosangla Ozukum.