Kohima: Nagaland officials launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 on October 28. This 60-day push aims to shield young people from vapes, e-cigarettes, and traditional tobacco. The initiative is a joint effort between India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education.
Dr. Imotemsu, Director of Family Welfare, kicked off the state-level program at the Nagaland Institute of Allied and Healthcare in Kohima. He demanded tighter coordination across districts and sharper enforcement to hit ambitious goals. The state wants a 50 percent increase in tobacco-free villages and institutional compliance. They also seek a 20 percent jump in enforcement actions and the engagement of 30 percent of the state's universities and colleges. Every district must hold at least 30 information and education events.
District officials held simultaneous launches to rally support. In Dimapur, DCP Crime Khekali Y Sema urged students to reject addiction. In Mokokchung, Medical Superintendent Dr. Alemwabang Aier told students to lead the change. Mon district officials focused on the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
State Nodal Officer Dr. I Simon Sumi detailed the strategy, noting the campaign uses social media, school outreach, and legal enforcement to change habits. Participants across the state took formal pledges to stay clean. As Dr. Imotemsu stated, stakeholders must “intensify tobacco-control activities during the campaign period, strengthen inter-district coordination and assess progress against the targets.”
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