Tobacco

NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAMME (NTCP)

In 2005, World Health Organization funded the creation of Tobacco Cessation Clinic with a purpose to develop intervention model for tobacco cessation for smoking and smokeless tobacco users, to increase awareness on tobacco and to take up anti- tobacco activities. During 2009-2015, Bloomberg Initiative project undertook tobacco control initiatives on a larger scale. At this onset, to streamline and coordinate various initiatives and activities in Tobacco Control (Bloomberg Initiative project and National Tobacco Control Programme) more efficiently, Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society was constituted on 9^th April 2009 by the Government of Mizoram. 

National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India in 2007-08, during the 11^th five year plan. During the initial phase, National Tobacco Control Programme was implemented with the objective to bring about greater awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to facilitate effective execution of Tobacco Control Laws. In Mizoram, the first two (2) districts under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) are Aizawl West and Lunglei district. Activities such as monitoring and implementation of Anti- Tobacco Laws, launching IEC/Mass media campaign, carrying out school health and awareness programmes, initiating training and capacity building for enforcement of the various provisions of COTPA were carried out. In addition to these, initiatives such as setting up of Tobacco Cessation Center at Hospitals, identifying partnerships with NGO’s/ PRI’s/ Urban Level Bodies (ULB’s) for involving the community to take the programme forward were also instigated.

Realizing the need to take up concerted action against the rampant use of tobacco, coverage of additional four districts of Mizoram viz. Aizawl East, Lunglei, Saiha, Champhai was approved and directed State Tobacco Control Cell to be subsumed under National Health Mission by the MoHFW in 2015 and covers all nine districts in 2015-16 FY. At present, State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) together with 9 District Tobacco Control Cell’s (DTCC) viz. Aizawl West, Lunglei, Siaha, Champhai, Aizawl East, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Kolasib and Mamit are working effectively and efficiently towards reducing tobacco consumption through trainings, Tobacco Cessation Clinics, school programmes, outreach programmes, and by executing tobacco control laws and capitalizing all available assets. The various initiatives taken up through NTCP have yielded numerous notable positive results. However, achieving the desired outcome will require even more effort as it progresses. 

NTCPhas been implemented through a three-tier structure i.e.

1. National Tobacco Control Cell 
2.  State Tobacco Control Cell & 
3.  District Tobacco Control Cell 

 Aims of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) are:

1. create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, 
2. reduce the production and supply of tobacco products, 
3. ensure effective implementation of the provisions under “The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003” (COTPA) 
4.  help the people quit tobacco use, and
5.  facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention and control of tobacco advocated by WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control . 

 The main thrust areas for the NTCP are as under: 

(i) Training of health and social workers, NGOs, school teachers, and enforcement officers; 

(ii) Information, education, and communication (IEC) activities; 

(iii) School programmes; 

(iv) Monitoring of tobacco control laws; 

(v) Coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions for village level activities; 

(vi) Setting-up and strengthening of cessation facilities including provision of pharmacological treatment facilities at district level. 

 Human Resources of State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC):

 Important bodies constituted for Tobacco Control:      

ACHIEVEMENT DURING 2025-26 : 

 Report of Tobacco Cessation Clinic

Achievement during 2024-25:

Table A: Key Deliverables:

Table B: Trainings, Awareness Campaigns, Enforcement Drives, ToFEI etc.

Table C: Report of Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC)

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Achievement during 2023-24

Report of Tobacco Cessation Clinic

Achievement during 202-23

Summary of Activities undertaken byMizoram State Tobacco Control Society/

National Tobacco Control Programme, National Health Mission, Mizoram 2022-2023

 Physical Achievement: 2021-22
 

During the reporting period 49 Educational Institutions has been declared as Tobacco Free Educational Institution as per the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

1. Financial Achievement 2019-20:

Total Approved Budget (RoP)    : Rs. 138.43 Lakhs

Fund Received from GoI            : Rs.84 lakhs

Total Expenditure                        : Rs. 121.55 Lakhs

The above expenditures are met from loan taken from State Health Society/ National Health Mission

During the reporting period 49 Educational Institutions has been declared as Tobacco Free Educational Institution as per the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Achievement of Tobacco Control Programme, Mizoram

from April 2017 till March 2018

National Tobacco Control Programme, Mizoram have taken up numerous initiatives to ensure that all the programme objectives are completed while also capitalizing on all opportunities that may arise. Summary of number of activities undertaken by MSTSC from April 2017 to March 2018 is listed below:

Major Achievements: Some major achievements are listed below:

Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 (2016-17): GATS 2 has shown dramatic decline in tobacco use prevalence from 67.2% (GATS-1) to 58.7% (GATS-2). Other significant improvements include Second hand Smoke exposure at home decreasing from 96.5% to 84.1% and at the work place from 64.6% to 44.4% etc.

Notification to constitute ‘Tobacco Control Team’ in all public offices: The General Administration Department, Government of Mizoram issued a Notification on 21^st April, 2017 regarding prohibition of smoking in public places in Government Offices. This Notification instructed all departments to strictly fine offenders and display ‘No smoking Signage’ and ‘Complaint Board’ and to constitute ‘Tobacco Control Team’ in all their respective offices.

World No Tobacco Day 2017: On the occasion of WNTD 2017 National Tobacco Control Programme observed the day inall districts of Mizoram elaborating on the theme ‘Tobacco- A threat to development’ and various other Tobacco related issue.

Project HIMNA MADAT: Project HIMNA- MADAT (Mizoram against Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco) which has been designed for intervention amongst Upper Primary School in Aizawl District was launched by Mr. _ , Chief Minister of Mizoram on 21^st June 2017. The Pilot project will be implemented ad monitored by the Deputy Commissioner Aizawl district with other key departments and organization playing active role in its implementation.

Release of Stickers for public transport vehicles: The Director General of Police (DGP), Mizoram released No Smoking stickers on 18^th July, 2017 which were previously approved by the State Transport Authority to be displayed by all public transport vehicles.

Frequent inspection on contraband cigarettes: Joint Controller of Legal Metrology issued an Order on 27^th July, 2017 which instructs all Legal Metrology Inspectors to conduct frequent and vigorous inspection and enforcement on contraband cigarettes in all the districts of Mizoram.

Inclusion of COTPA in monthly crime review: The Police Headquarters, Govt. of Mizoram issued a letter on the 7^th August, 2017 which instructs the DIG, Northern and Southern Range to incorporate violations of COTPA as one of the agenda items in monthly crime review at the level of District/Range/State.

Notification to comply with The Prohibitions of Smoking in Public Places Rules,2008: Transport Department, Government of Mizoram issued Notification on 18^th August, 2017 which instructs all public transport vehicles to comply with The Prohibitions of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008 to strictly prohibit smoking and display No Smoking sticker etc. As per this Notification, offenders are made punishable with fine which may extend to Rs. 500/- as per Section 179 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

Observation of 4^th Mizoram State Anti Tobacco day: The 4^th Mizoram State Anti Tobacco Day was observed based on the theme ‘Tobacco Free Sports’ on 11^th September 2017 throughout the State. The main programme held in Aizawl was jointly organized by Indian Society on Tobacco and Health Mizoram and Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society with Mr._ ,Chief Minister ofMizoram as the Chief Guest. Representatives of all affiliated sports association under Mizoram State Sports Council attended the programme. Outstanding performers for excellent compliance to various sections of COTPA,2003were felicitated.

No Tobacco Rally: In collaboration with Indian Society on Tobacco and Health Mizoram ,’No Tobacco rally’ was organized on 19^th September 2017. The event was sponsored through Corporate Social Responsibility for Microfinance and Livelihood and attended by representatives and office bearers from various sports association in Mizoram. Mr. _ Minister Health and Family Welfare Department was the Chief Guest and flagged off the rally from Millenium Center to Vanapa Hall.

Tobacco Cessation Clinics: With the inauguration of Tobacco Cessation Clinic at State Referral Hospital, Falkawn on 26^th September 2017, there are now 10 TCCs functioning:9 TCCs in all H&FW district hospitals and also at Cancer Hospital with a total of 2771 clients who visited TCC from April 2017 till March 2018. The current Quit rate is 24.82%.

COTPA enforcement week: “COTPA Enforcement Week Kick - Off programme cum release of Christmas Card for Drivers” was jointly conducted by Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society and Aizawl City Traffic Police on the 18^th December, 2017 at SP Conference Hall, Aizawl. In pursuance to this, distribution of Christmas-card and enforcement of COTPA was effectively conducted among public transport vehicles throughout the week.

Ruantlang Village as Tobacco Free Village: Ruantlang village in Champhai district was declared as a ‘Tobacco Free Village’ on December 2017 by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Champhai. This declaration was made after regular and careful Anti-Tobacco Squad Drives checking compliance to all sections of COTPA by Champhai District Anti Tobacco Squad.

Joint Enforcement on Hookah: Joint Enforcement drive against Hookah which are offered/sold at public place e.g. restaurant etc. was strictly conducted by Aizawl Disrict Anti Tobacco Squad and Food Safety Authority.

Dismissal of Petition regarding Tuibur: The Gauhati High Court, Mizoram Bench dismissed the petition (PIL) of Mr. Dengvunga and 5 Others with regard to prohibition of manufacturing Tuibur at Lungli River, Salem Veng which is a residential area. It may be noted that these petitioners challenge the order previously passed by the Deputy Commissioner, Aizawl District which orders them to desist the manufacturing of Tuibur in this area.

Anti-Tobacco Squad Drives: Squad drive on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 was conducted a total of 471 times in various districts with 494 offenders. Joint Enforcement with other departments such as Legal Metrology Food and Drug Administration, Traffic Police, CID (Crime) Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm pawl etc was also conducted a total of 30 times.