Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 Launched in Kakching with Cyclathon Rally

The Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 was launched in Kakching District 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.

Deputy Commissioner Shri Rohit Anand, IAS, flagged off the rally from the DC Office Complex in the presence of Superintendent of Police Smt. Priyadarshini Laishram, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thoudem Rajen, District Nodal Officer (NTCP) Dr. T. Jullon, and members of the District Level Coordinating Committee (DLCC).

Around 30 students participated in the rally, which covered the route from the DC Office Complex to Keirak Dam and back to the CMO Office. As part of the campaign, a plan of action was also initiated to make educational institutions and villages in Kakching district tobacco-free.

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

The DC urged all departments to work in close coordination for the effective implementation of the campaign, starting with marking yellow lines to prohibit the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions. He also encouraged organising essay, painting, and awareness programmes across the district, including remote areas.

SP Priyadarshini Laishram emphasised community participation and assured full cooperation from the police department.

During the meeting, Dr. T. Jullon presented detailed strategies to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, promote Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) and Tobacco Free Villages, and strengthen enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA).

The session concluded with a discussion among key stakeholders—including education, health, and police representatives, along with school and panchayat leaders—on effective approaches to ensure the success of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 in Kakching district.