SHILLONG, OCT 1: Meghalaya has been awarded the best-performing small state in the country for tobacco control, with grassroots efforts leading to a 30 to 40 percent reduction in smoking inside homes, near schools and in public places.

The achievement was highlighted by State Nodal Officer (NOHP & NTCP) Dr Nabaneeta Mawrie during the District Observation of World No Tobacco Day held at Hollywood Hall, Laitkor, Shillong, on Wednesday.

“Meghalaya was awarded the title of the best-performing small state in the country by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi, in recognition of this comprehensive, multi-departmental approach,” Dr Mawrie said.

She said the success is driven by India’s largest community-led pilot project launched in East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills, which onboarded 1,052 Village Health Councils, of which 41 percent have achieved tobacco-free status through over 12,000 verified activities.

The event, organized by the District Administration with NHM and Samagra Shiksha on the global theme “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” drew government officials, educators, health professionals, community leaders and students.

Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said, “Tobacco use is not merely an individual habit, but a serious public health and social issue that consumes money, health, families, and lives through illness, financial loss, and premature death.”

He urged students to choose good habits over addiction and stressed the dangers of nicotine.

Assistant Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Dr Ronald Garry Dunai said the administration is committed to a tobacco-free community and is working with health, education and police departments to keep educational institutions tobacco-free.

“Their energy, dreams, and futures are far too precious to be compromised by addiction,” he said, appealing to students to reject tobacco.

District Nodal Officer, NP-NCD, Dr Robert Marak outlined the district’s healthcare framework, District School Education Officer I. Kharduit spoke on Tobacco Free Educational Institution guidelines, while Madanrting Police Station Officer In-charge P. Lamare detailed COTPA enforcement against public smoking, sale near schools and sale to minors.

The programme included extempore speech, quiz, a skit by Bethany School of Nursing students and a Reels Competition showcase, followed by prize distribution.