Shillong, August 7: The Government of Meghalaya on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to creating a “Tobacco-Free Meghalaya” by organising a state-level sensitization programme under the theme “Tobacco: Business of Death” at Windermere Hotel, Umpling.
The programme, organised by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) under the National Health Mission (NHM) Meghalaya, brought together senior government officials, law enforcement agencies, educators, health professionals and students to strengthen the state’s anti-tobacco campaign through a coordinated, multi-departmental approach.
Addressing the gathering, Ramkumar S., IAS, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department and Mission Director, NHM Meghalaya, described tobacco as a gateway substance that exposes users to serious long-term health risks. Stressing the importance of youth participation, he said the success of the ongoing signature campaign in schools demonstrated the impact of collective action.
Noting that over 60 per cent of Meghalaya’s population is below the age of 25, he called for expanding awareness campaigns to all district headquarters through stronger partnerships among government departments, educational institutions and community stakeholders.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, urged young people not to succumb to curiosity or peer pressure that often leads to tobacco use. Encouraging students to make independent choices, he said true courage lies in refusing harmful habits and supporting friends in staying away from tobacco, thereby contributing to the vision of a tobacco-free state.
Director of School Education and Literacy, Richa Kulkarni, IAS, highlighted the success of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) initiative, which has reached nearly six lakh students across more than 10,000 schools in Meghalaya. She said involving students through school-based activities helps develop them into ambassadors of healthy living and commended the collaborative efforts that have made Meghalaya one of the country’s leading states in tobacco control.
Additional Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Ivan Diengdoh, MPS, explained the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), cautioning students about legal restrictions on smoking in public places, tobacco advertisements and the sale of tobacco products to or by minors. He said Meghalaya Police continues to focus on awareness among youth, vendors and communities to support the state’s anti-tobacco mission.
Presenting the achievements of the programme, Dr. Nabaneeta D. Mawrie, Senior Dental Surgeon, NTCP, said the ToFEI initiative has achieved 85 per cent coverage across schools in all 11 districts over the past five years. The programme has trained more than 28,000 teachers, reached 7.3 lakh students and facilitated over 3.7 lakh anti-tobacco awareness activities. She also noted that 83 per cent of colleges in Meghalaya have become tobacco-free within three years under the initiative.
Dr. Mawrie further informed that the Tobacco-Free Village Programme, one of India’s largest community-led tobacco control initiatives, now has 1,052 active Village Health Councils, representing 81 per cent coverage across the state. During the World No Tobacco Day 2026 campaign, every school organised rallies and signature drives, while more than 2,300 principals and teachers were trained and 60 committees were established at the block, district and state levels to strengthen implementation.
The programme concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding Village Health Councils, educational institutions, students, law enforcement units and district administrations for their contributions to tobacco control initiatives. Participants also took a pledge to work collectively towards achieving a “Tobacco-Free Meghalaya.”
The event also featured cultural performances, including an invocation by the Byrki Choir from West Khasi Hills, an interactive session by Kynpham Syiem Lamurong, a short play by students of Women’s College, a musical drama by St. Edmund’s College, as well as quiz and poster competitions to promote awareness among participants.
