District-level coordination committee meeting for NTCP held in Bishnupur
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Bishnupur, August 01 2025: Deputy Commissioner Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, today chaired the District Health Society Bishnupur, District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meeting for the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur.

The main highlight of the meeting was the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation by Dr Huidrom Sujata, State Nodal Officer for NTCP .

The presentation covered a wide range of topics including various forms of tobacco, the burden and toxicity of tobacco use, key aspects of NTCP implementation, and a special emphasis on the rising threat of e-cigarettes and Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, PECA 2019.DC Pooja Elangbam emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the ban on sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, expressing concern over students' easy access to such harmful substances.

Highlighting Manipur's high national ranking in tobacco consumption, she called for urgent, communitywide awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco and advocated for a collective shift towards healthier lifestyles.

She lauded the active participation of committee members and stakeholders and urged everyone to unite in rejecting tobacco and protecting future generations.

SNO Dr Sujata also underscored the importance of implementing Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), urging cooperation from the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) for its effective enforcement.

"Youth are the pillars of our nation, and protecting them from the harmful effects of tobacco is of utmost importance," she stated.

She further highlighted the critical role of all stakeholders in achieving the goals of tobacco cessation and strengthening support facilities in the district.

The District Nodal Officer for NTCP, Bishnupur, presented a detailed overview of the activities undertaken under the programme during the financial year 2024-25.The presentation included updates on the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 in the district The meeting was also attended by ADM Bishnupur, T Opendra, CMO Bishnupur, Dr L Raichandra, and members of the DLCC .

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