The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) of the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) held its quarterly meeting today at the DC’s Conference Hall in Kohima. The session was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kumar Ramnikant IAS, who is also the DLCC Chairman.
The primary focus of the meeting was to enhance the enforcement of the ban on the sale of tobacco products within a 300-foot radius of educational institutions. The committee decided on a tiered penalty system: first-time offenders will face fines, repeated violations will incur both fines and the sealing of shops, and persistent offenders will face fines and cancellation of their licenses. Additionally, the committee resolved to increase the frequency of shop inspections to ensure compliance with these regulations.
DC Ramnikant commended the DTCC Kohima for successfully conducting Focus Group Discussions and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities across various institutions in Kohima, despite facing funding constraints. He proposed expanding the initiative to include tobacco-free wards, colonies, and villages, alongside the existing tobacco-free school and home programs.
In a significant development during the meeting, District Nodal Officer Dr. I. Simon Sumi announced the designation of Government High School New Market, Government High School Forest Colony, and Government Middle School Naga Bazaar as tobacco-free schools.