In a major step towards promoting public health, eight schools in Tseminyu district were officially declared tobacco-free on November 26. The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner Japheth Woch during a workshop on tobacco control for stakeholders held at the DC’s conference hall.
The schools now declared tobacco-free include GHS Chunlikha, Jireh School Chunlikha, BHSS Tseminyu, GHSS Tseminyu, AG School Tseminyu, GHS Tseminyu, and GHS Sendinyu. Alongside the schools, the DC launched a smoke-free campaign across the district headquarters and declared the district office as a Tobacco-Free Office under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Director and State Nodal Officer NTCP, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, emphasized that the initiative aims to strengthen enforcement of COTPA 2003 and promote smoke-free educational institutions, offices, and public spaces. He highlighted the importance of district leadership in ensuring consistent enforcement, proper documentation, and active community mobilization for the success of NTCP.
Dr. Linoka Awomi, NTCP consultant, elaborated on legal provisions preventing minors’ access to tobacco under COTPA 2003, PECA 2019, and the Juvenile Justice Act. Joint Director and State Programme Officer for the National Oral Health Programme, Dr. Reyosalu Lase, chaired the workshop and underscored collaboration among health officials, police, education authorities, municipal bodies, Church, and civil society to maintain lasting change. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by EAC Tseminyu, Molosangla Ozukum.
The declaration of these schools as tobacco-free is expected to strengthen public health awareness among students and foster a safe, smoke-free learning environment in Tseminyu, setting an example for other districts across Nagaland.
