86% Schools Tobacco-Free: Meghalaya Sets National Benchmark
Meghalaya became the first state in India with 86% of schools certified as Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions, the highest in the country.
In a significant public health and education milestone, Meghalaya has become the first state in India where 86 per cent of schools have been certified as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), the highest percentage recorded nationwide, officials said on Friday.
A state government official noted that this achievement is particularly crucial as Meghalaya records nearly 8,000 tobacco-related deaths annually. Additionally, 47 per cent of adults aged 15 and above consume tobacco in some form, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2017).
Recognising that prevention must begin early, the Meghalaya government launched the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) programme three years ago under the National Health Mission. The programme is being implemented by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Department of Education and Sambandh Health Foundation, with the aim of making all schools in the state tobacco-free.
Under ToFEI guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, schools are required to complete nine annual anti-tobacco activities, forming a 100-mark scorecard. To qualify for certification, a school must secure at least 80 marks. These activities include installing anti-tobacco signage, conducting awareness campaigns, organising student-led rallies, and ensuring strict compliance with tobacco control norms to create a safe and addiction-free environment for students.
Each year, nearly 10,000 schools across Meghalaya participate in rallies, signature campaigns, and awareness drives, helping build a statewide culture that discourages tobacco use among children. Officials credited the achievement to strong leadership and coordinated efforts by the Departments of Health and Education, along with district and local-level authorities who ensured effective monitoring and accountability. The state has also adopted Sambandh Health Foundation’s digital programme implementation methodology to support the initiative.
State ToFEI Nodal Officer Jennyfer Jones Synrem described the achievement as a major public health victory, stating that it brings the state closer to its goal of a tobacco-free Meghalaya. Echoing this, State Nodal Officer of the National Tobacco Control Programme, Dr Nabaneeta D Mawrie, highlighted that 34 per cent of children aged 13 to 15 use tobacco, stressing that schools play a key role in shaping lifelong habits and preventing addiction. She added that such large-scale programmes are expected to deliver long-term health benefits.
Officials said the initiative has successfully engaged school leaders, teachers, students, and communities in protecting children from tobacco exposure while promoting healthier learning environments, setting a new national benchmark in tobacco control.
With Inputs From IANS
Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is a Consultant Orthodontist at Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi. She is also working as a Correspondent and a Medical Writer at Medical Dialogues. She completed her BDS from Dr D Y patil dental college and MDS from Kalinga institute of dental sciences. Apart from dentistry, she has a strong research and scientific writing acumen. At Medical Dialogues, She focusses on medical news, dental news, dental FAQ and medical writing etc.