AIZAWL: Mizoram State Tobacco Control
Society (MSTCS) in collaboration with Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) organized
“Workshop On Tobacco Control in Mizoram discussed during the workshop on
better and effective implementation of COPTA section 6(b) on Tuesday.
According to the COPTA Section 6(b), selling tobacco and its related
intoxicating items near the schools (300 feet from the institution) were
strictly prohibited, those who violate the rules may be punished with a
fine of Rs.200. At the programme held Tuesday, Lalriliani, president,
Indian Society on Tobacco and Health (ISTH) Mizoram chapter, made here
presence felt and she had a presentation relating to the harmful effect
of the tobacco.Meanwhile, Dr. Jane Ralte also presented a power presentation on the topic “Tobacco Control in Mizoram”. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2009 – 2010, 67.2% of the Mizo people consumed tobacco and its related items and highest in all India said the press statement of MSTCS.
It is worth noting here that tobbacco users in Mizoram are comparatively higher than the other states of India.
To support this statement, a survey carried out by National Family Health Survey indicated that 83.1% of Mizo males use tobacco products of any kind and 60.8% of Mizo females have used tobacco of various kind.
As per the Global Young Tobacco Survey 2001, out of the total 2295 students from Class VIII-X, 54% of students were using tobacco products. It also stated that out of the 54% students indulged in intocicants, 23% were smokers while 31% were using various types of tobacco in Mizoram. The heads of the educational institutions were advised to enforce Control of Tobacco Products Act, 2003 at the premises of institutions.
According to COTPA rules, selling of any kind of tobacco products is strictly prohibited within the area of 300 feet around the educational institutions. They were also instructed to place boards/hoardings at thei respective institutional campuses in order to spread awareness against the uses of tobacco. Knowing the role played by the teachers on the minds of students, teachers should refrain from this habit, the workshop opined. It is also seen that some teachers even smoke inside the school campus which not causes health hazard but also showcased the bad habits of smoking, the workshop maintained. The Church in Mizoram has also been against the use of tobacco products in the state.
According to Population Based Cancer Registry, November 2010 on different districts in India on males and females, Aizawl being the highest, and other districts of Mizoram such as Serchhip, Kolasib, Champhai and Mamit are also included in the top list.