Press Releases

A key strength of the Meghalaya model is that Tobacco-Free village title is achieved through community action and verified compliance, rather than simply through a declaration. VHCs appoint a TfV Nodal Officer, conduct tobacco-awareness discussions and community meetings, pass resolutions to restrict tobacco sale near schools, issue no-smoking orders for public places, install anti-tobacco signage, posters and conduct community awareness drives.

These actions are documented and verified, and a VHC is recognised as Tobacco-Free after successfully completing and verifying at least five of the six prescribed activities. During the first year, senior officials from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and WHO visited participating villages and commended the community-driven model