Shillong: Meghalaya has become the first state in India where 86% of schools have been certified as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) — the highest percentage recorded nationwide.This landmark achievement in public health and education is significant, as the state records nearly 8,000 tobacco-related deaths annually and 47% of adults aged 15 and above consume tobacco in some form, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2017).Recognising that prevention must begin early, the state govt launched the ToFEI programme three years ago under the National Health Mission. The initiative is being implemented by the departments of health and education in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation, with the goal of ensuring all schools across Meghalaya become tobacco-free.“Every year, nearly 10,000 schools across Meghalaya actively participate in anti-tobacco rallies, signature campaigns, and awareness drives, creating a state-wide environment that discourages children from falling prey to addictive tobacco products,” an official statement said.Under ToFEI guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, schools must complete nine annual anti-tobacco activities forming a 100-mark scorecard. To be certified, a school must secure at least 80 marks. Activities include anti-tobacco signage on campus, awareness campaigns, student rallies, and strict compliance with tobacco control norms, ensuring a safe environment for students.Jennyfer Jones Synrem, state ToFEI nodal officer, said, “Achieving 86% tobacco-free schools is not merely an administrative milestone; it is a powerful public health victory for our children. It brings us closer to our shared vision of ‘My Meghalaya, Tobacco-Free Meghalaya’.”Nabaneeta D Mawrie, state nodal officer of the National Tobacco Control Programme, highlighted that 34% of children aged 13-15 consume tobacco in some form, as per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. “Schools shape lifelong behaviours. By institutionalising tobacco prevention within our education system, we are creating safer learning environments and protecting future generations from addiction and tobacco-related diseases,” she said.
