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Itanagar, June 2025 – Arunachal Pradesh has been recognized as the Best Performing State under the Smaller States Category for its exemplary implementation of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign (TFYC) 2.0, an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
The prestigious award was conferred during a ceremony in New Delhi by V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, MoHFW, and Dr. L. Swasti Charan, DDGD (EMR), Directorate General of Health Services. The honor was received on behalf of the state by Dr. Hatobin Mai, in-charge State Programme Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), and Karpa Marde, State Consultant (NTCP), Directorate of Health Services, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
Campaign Highlights and Achievements
The TFYC 2.0 campaign, conducted from September 23 to November 24, 2024, aimed to protect youth from tobacco use, raise public awareness, and empower communities to resist tobacco industry tactics. The initiative focused on establishing tobacco-free educational institutions, strengthening law enforcement, and engaging rural communities in tobacco control efforts.
The campaign was implemented across all 26 districts under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), including Itanagar Capital Region, Yupia (Papum Pare), Pasighat (East Siang), Bomdila (West Kameng), Ziro (Lower Subansiri), Tawang, and several others.
Key Achievements of TFYC 2.0 in Arunachal Pradesh:
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IEC Activities/Campaigns Conducted: 2,250
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Village-Level Awareness Campaigns: 851
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Gram Panchayat Resolutions for Tobacco-Free Jurisdictions: 279
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Tobacco-Free Village Declarations: 404
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Educational Institutions Declared Tobacco-Free: 2,120
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Institutions Covered Through Awareness Drives by DTCCs: 3,356
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Enforcement Drives Held Across Districts: 201
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Persons Challaned Under COTPA 2003: 972
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Penalty Collected Under COTPA Violations: ₹2,33,600
Grassroots Impact and Future Outlook
The recognition highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to safeguarding youth from the dangers of tobacco and fostering a healthier, tobacco-free society through community engagement, education, and robust enforcement. The state’s achievements set a benchmark for other regions in India and demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative, grassroots public health initiatives.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information sourced from official press releases and news reports. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to refer to government or Ministry of Health and Family Welfare communications for official updates and clarifications. The achievements and statistics mentioned are as reported by recognized news outlets and may be subject to further verification by concerned authorities.
