Shillong, March 20 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement for public health and education, Meghalaya has emerged as the leading state in India, with 86 percent of its schools officially recognized as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), marking the highest rate across the country, officials announced on Friday.

A government representative emphasized that this achievement is vital, especially considering that Meghalaya sees nearly 8,000 tobacco-related fatalities each year.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2017) indicates that 47 percent of adults aged 15 and older engage in some form of tobacco consumption.

Understanding the importance of early intervention, the Meghalaya government initiated the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) program three years ago under the National Health Mission.

This initiative is being executed by the Department of Health in partnership with the Department of Education and Sambandh Health Foundation, aiming to make every school in the state tobacco-free.

The official stated that according to ToFEI regulations from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, schools must complete nine annual anti-tobacco initiatives, evaluated through a 100-mark scorecard.

To achieve certification as a Tobacco Free Educational Institution, a school must garner a minimum of 80 marks.

These initiatives encompass setting up anti-tobacco signage within school grounds, conducting awareness campaigns, organizing student-led rallies, and ensuring strict adherence to tobacco control regulations, thus cultivating a secure, addiction-free campus atmosphere for students.

Each year, around 10,000 schools throughout Meghalaya actively engage in anti-tobacco rallies, signature campaigns, and awareness initiatives, promoting a state-wide culture that discourages children from succumbing to addictive tobacco products, as per the official.

This accomplishment reflects robust leadership and collaborative efforts by the Meghalaya government, particularly the Departments of Health and Education, along with district, block, and cluster-level officials who ensured systematic monitoring, verification, and accountability.

The state has also embraced Sambandh Health Foundation’s Digital Program Implementation strategy to effectively carry out this initiative.

Highlighting the broader significance, State ToFEI Nodal Officer Jennyfer Jones Synrem remarked: “Achieving 86 percent Tobacco-Free Schools is not just an administrative feat; it is a significant public health triumph for our children. This brings us closer to our collective vision of ‘My Meghalaya, Tobacco-Free Meghalaya.’ When governance systems, schools, and communities unite with clarity and dedication, transformative results can be realized.”

In agreement, State Nodal Officer of the National Tobacco Control Programme under the Health Department, Dr Nabaneeta D Mawrie, noted: “According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 34 percent of children aged 13 to 15 use tobacco in some capacity. Schools influence lifelong habits. By institutionalizing tobacco prevention in our education system, we are fostering safer learning environments and shielding future generations from addiction and tobacco-induced ailments.”

She further mentioned that initiatives of this magnitude are anticipated to yield long-term health benefits for the entire state.

The program has effectively mobilized school leaders, educators, students, and communities to actively protect children from tobacco exposure while promoting healthier school settings.

Officials stressed that this achievement establishes a new national standard and illustrates the potential of collaborative efforts among governance systems, schools, and communities with a unified purpose and strong accountability.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be reached at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)