Nagaland is set to strengthen tobacco control measures by introducing tobacco vendor licensing rules and enhancing enforcement across the state. State Health and Family Welfare Secretary S. Tainiu said this while addressing the State-Level Observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026 and Sensitisation Programme for Youth Ministry leaders in Kohima today.
She said more than 400 violations of tobacco-free zones around educational institutions were penalised during the last financial year. Ms. Tainiu said tobacco control efforts in the state are moving beyond awareness campaigns towards stronger administrative and enforcement measures. She informed that the government is framing Tobacco Vendor Licensing Rules in coordination with municipal bodies and has also constituted a State Empowered Committee on WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3.
Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, expressed concern over rising tobacco use and increasing oral cancer cases linked to smokeless tobacco products. She urged community leaders to support prevention efforts.
