Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 373/19

NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAMME HELD

The District Level Coordination Committee on National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) cum Orientation of Stakeholders on NTCP, East Khasi Hills District was held today at the Conference Room, Office of the Deputy Commissioner's, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. The Orientation programme was attended by District heads, Block Development Officers, teachers and member of NGOs.

Addressing the gathering, Smti M. War Nongbri, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman District Level Coordination Committee on NTCP, East Khasi Hills District said that the menace of tobacco needs a multi-pronged strategy where all the stakeholders, various government departments and District Administration need to work collectively to take necessary measures to control the abuse of tobacco. To ensure that the District moves in the right direction to tackle the problems arising out of the abuse of tobacco, Smti War stressed on the need to intensify awareness programmes among health workers, law enforcers, NGOs, school teachers and students about the addictive and harmful effects of tobacco.

Dr. L. Lyngdoh Nongbri, State Nodal Officer, NTCP, Meghalaya informed that the goal of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) is to prevent initiation among youth and adults, promote quitting among adults and youth, eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke (SHS), pack warnings and reduce supply by restricting access to minors etc. Others who spoke on the occasion were Dr. M. R. Basaiawmoit, District Health Medical Officer, East Khasi Hills, Dr. B. Kanti, District Nodal Officer, NTCP among others.