Overview of the Achievement

Meghalaya has become the first state in India to achieve a community-led milestone in tobacco control.

Community-Led Approach

The initiative is based on grassroots participation, where local communities take the lead in discouraging tobacco use and enforcing tobacco-free norms.

Key Stakeholders Involved

Village councils, local leaders, schools, and community-based organizations are actively involved in:

• Spreading awareness

• Monitoring compliance with tobacco-free norms

Holistic Support for Individuals

The approach also includes supporting individuals who want to quit tobacco, making it a holistic model of public health intervention.

Impact on Public Health

The initiative has helped strengthen enforcement of tobacco-control laws while promoting healthier lifestyles across the state.
Meghalaya’s success is especially significant since the Northeast region records some of the highest tobacco consumption rates in India.

Alignment with National and International Goals

The model aligns with the goals of:

• National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)

• World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

Replicability and Significance

Public health experts believe Meghalaya’s community-driven approach can be replicated in other states to achieve long-term behavioral change.
This milestone demonstrates that grassroots ownership and participation are essential for sustainable progress in public health campaigns.

Question for Reference

With reference to Meghalaya’s achievement in tobacco control, consider the following statements:

1. Meghalaya is the first state in India to achieve a community-led tobacco control milestone.

2. The initiative involves participation of local councils, schools, and community-based organizations in spreading awareness and monitoring compliance.

3. The model aligns with the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) as well as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

4. The initiative has been implemented mainly as a top-down enforcement measure without grassroots participation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)