A district-level sensitization workshop was held today at the SCERT Multipurpose Hall, Lamphelpat, to promote the effective implementation of the School Rally Challenge for tobacco awareness and to strengthen the enforcement of Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines in Manipur.
Organized by the Directorate of SCERT (PE Cell) in collaboration with the Directorate of Education (S) and the Directorate of Health Services, the workshop brought together officials, educators, and health experts to coordinate strategies for curbing tobacco use among students and youth.
The event was attended by key officials including Kh. Ashokkumar Singh, Director of SCERT; M. Premchandra Singh, Joint Director (EN/S); Prof. W. Nabakumar Singh, retired professor of Manipur University; and Dr. Sujata Huidrom, State Nodal Officer (NTCP), National Health Mission. They led discussions on effective implementation of the rally, inter-departmental coordination, and the operationalization of ToFEI guidelines at the district level.
During the technical sessions, Prof. W. Nabakumar Singh delivered an overview of India’s tobacco control measures and the progress of the ToFEI initiative, while Dr. Sujata Huidrom presented national data on tobacco use, highlighting its serious health implications for children and adolescents. Advocate Th. Rajkishore discussed the legal provisions under COTPA 2023 and PECA 2019 that prohibit the sale and use of tobacco products by minors.
A. Basanta Singh, representing Galaxy Club, Chingamathak, spoke about ongoing government initiatives to combat drug and substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of community participation in achieving a tobacco-free generation. Rajeshwar Sharma (Retd., SCERT) and M. Premchandra conducted interactive sessions focusing on practical preparations for the School Rally Challenge and school-level ToFEI compliance activities.