DC chairs meeting on tobacco sale, usage curb
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Bishnupur, August 01 2025: Deputy commissioner Pooja Elangbam on Friday chaired the meeting of District Health Society Bishnupur and District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) vis-a-vis the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur.

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

Highlighting Manipur's undesired record of high rate of tobacco consumption, she called for urgent, community-wide 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 to protect 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.

The SNO 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 additional deputy commissioner (Bishnupur) T Opendra, chief medical officer Dr L Raichandra, and members of the DLCC .

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