Tobacco Free Youth campaign launched in Kakching
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Kakching, November 04 2025: The Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 for Kakching District was launched today with a Cyclathon rally organised by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Cell, District Health Society Kakching, under the supervision of the District Administration.

The rally was flagged off by Rohit Anand, Deputy Commissioner Kakching, at the DC Office Complex in the presence of Priyadarshini Laishram, Superintendent of Police Kakching, Dr Thoudem Rajen, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kakching, Dr T Jullon, District Nodal Officer (NTCP) and members of the District Level Coordinating Committee (DLCC) .

Around 30 students took part in the rally, which covered the route from the DCOffice Complex to Keirak Dam and back to the CMO Office, Kakching.

A plan of action to make educational institutions and villages in Kakching district tobacco-free was also initiated.

Earlier in the day, a DLCC meeting under NTCP was held at the DC Office Conference Hall, chaired by DC Rohit Anand and attended by SP Kakching, ADM, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), District Information Officer, Senior Chief Executive Officer of Kakching Municipal Council, Designated Officer (FSA), Food Safety Officer, and District Social Welfare Officer.

Addressing the meeting, the DC urged for effective implementation of the campaign, beginning with marking yellow lines to prohibit the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.

He instructed concerned departments to work in coordination for the campaign and suggested organising essay, painting, and awareness activities across the district, including remote areas of Kakching District.

SP Priyadarshini Laishram stressed the importance of community participation for successful implementation and assured full cooperation from the police department.

During the meeting, Dr T Jullon gave a detailed presentation on the campaign strategies, including public awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco, enhancing compliance with Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), promoting Tobacco Free Villages, also strengthening enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) .

A discussion among key stakeholders - including representatives from the ZEO, Health Department, Police, School Principals/Teachers, and Panchayat Secretaries - was also held to explore effective ways to implement the campaign.

Comment