Press Release
Press Release from Chief Medical Officer, Pakyong District
Information & Public Relations Department
World No Tobacco Day 2026 Observed at Mamring Senior Secondary School with COTPA Enforcement Drive
Pakyong, June 2: The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Pakyong District, observed World No Tobacco Day 2026 at Mamring Senior Secondary School through an awareness programme followed by an enforcement drive under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
The programme was organized in line with the global theme of World No Tobacco Day 2026, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” The event aimed to raise awareness about the tactics employed by tobacco and nicotine industries to redesign and market products that appeal to a new generation of users, particularly children and adolescents.
During the programme, Dr. Digcha Shree Rai, Programme Coordinator, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Pakyong District, highlighted the significance of World No Tobacco Day and elaborated on the core objectives of the 2026 theme. She also sensitized students and participants on the provisions of COTPA, 2003, a landmark legislation enacted to regulate tobacco use and protect public health. The session was followed by a pledge-taking ceremony, reaffirming the participants’ commitment towards a tobacco-free lifestyle.
As part of the awareness initiative, all class representatives were presented with badges carrying the message “Smoking is Injurious to Health” by the NTCP Cell, Pakyong District, Health & Family Welfare Department, to promote anti-tobacco awareness among students and encourage them to act as ambassadors for a tobacco-free environment within their school and community.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Poonam Pradhan, Joint Director, Education Department, spoke on the psychological and social impacts of tobacco consumption, particularly among young people. She encouraged students to make informed choices, resist harmful influences, and contribute positively to society as responsible citizens.
The programme was attended by Ms. Deepika Chettri (NTCP Team, Pakyong District), along with the students and staff of Mamring Senior Secondary School.
Following the awareness programme, an enforcement drive was conducted under the provisions of COTPA, 2003 to mark the observance of World No Tobacco Day. The raid was carried out jointly by the NTCP Pakyong District Team and Pakyong Police, represented by SI Aron Lepcha and Constable Chitrawati Chettri.
The enforcement activity focused on commercial establishments located around Mamring Senior Secondary School and Pushpanjali Primary School, Mamring, with particular emphasis on enforcing the prohibition of the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions, as mandated under COTPA.
During the inspection, violations were detected, resulting in the issuance of challans amounting to ₹400. Tobacco products found in contravention of the Act were seized from the commercial establishments inspected.
The observance concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen tobacco control measures, protect young people from nicotine and tobacco addiction, and promote a healthier, tobacco-free society.
Pakyong, June 2: The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Pakyong District, observed World No Tobacco Day 2026 at Mamring Senior Secondary School through an awareness programme followed by an enforcement drive under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
The programme was organized in line with the global theme of World No Tobacco Day 2026, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” The event aimed to raise awareness about the tactics employed by tobacco and nicotine industries to redesign and market products that appeal to a new generation of users, particularly children and adolescents.
During the programme, Dr. Digcha Shree Rai, Programme Coordinator, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Pakyong District, highlighted the significance of World No Tobacco Day and elaborated on the core objectives of the 2026 theme. She also sensitized students and participants on the provisions of COTPA, 2003, a landmark legislation enacted to regulate tobacco use and protect public health. The session was followed by a pledge-taking ceremony, reaffirming the participants’ commitment towards a tobacco-free lifestyle.
As part of the awareness initiative, all class representatives were presented with badges carrying the message “Smoking is Injurious to Health” by the NTCP Cell, Pakyong District, Health & Family Welfare Department, to promote anti-tobacco awareness among students and encourage them to act as ambassadors for a tobacco-free environment within their school and community.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Poonam Pradhan, Joint Director, Education Department, spoke on the psychological and social impacts of tobacco consumption, particularly among young people. She encouraged students to make informed choices, resist harmful influences, and contribute positively to society as responsible citizens.
The programme was attended by Ms. Deepika Chettri (NTCP Team, Pakyong District), along with the students and staff of Mamring Senior Secondary School.
Following the awareness programme, an enforcement drive was conducted under the provisions of COTPA, 2003 to mark the observance of World No Tobacco Day. The raid was carried out jointly by the NTCP Pakyong District Team and Pakyong Police, represented by SI Aron Lepcha and Constable Chitrawati Chettri.
The enforcement activity focused on commercial establishments located around Mamring Senior Secondary School and Pushpanjali Primary School, Mamring, with particular emphasis on enforcing the prohibition of the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions, as mandated under COTPA.
During the inspection, violations were detected, resulting in the issuance of challans amounting to ₹400. Tobacco products found in contravention of the Act were seized from the commercial establishments inspected.
The observance concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen tobacco control measures, protect young people from nicotine and tobacco addiction, and promote a healthier, tobacco-free society.
