Introduction:

Tobacco control is a pressing need in Tripura, where tobacco use has become deeply rooted in daily life and culture. As highlighted by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2, 2016-17), 64.5% of all adults in Tripura consumed tobacco in either smoked or smokeless form, making Tripura one of the highest-prevalence states in the country. This widespread use is not just a health issue but a growing social and economic concern, contributing to rising cases of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, while also placing a heavy financial burden on families and the healthcare system.

The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) has been introduced across all eight districts of Tripura. Voluntary Health Association of Tripura (VHAT) has been working in all eight districts in close collaboration with the state through its Tobacco Control Project.

Objectives of the project:

• To orient stakeholders at various levels on tobacco control policies, legal provisions, and their respective roles and responsibilities.
• To build the capacity of district-level law enforcement officials for effective implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
• To conduct meetings and orientation sessions with officials at different levels to promote tobacco-free premises and strengthen participation in District Level Coordination Committees (DLCC).
• To support Panchayati Raj Institutions in creating an enabling ecosystem for tobacco-free villages.
• To strengthen the capacity of Urban Local Bodies officials for effective regulation, including vendor licensing.
• To establish an “Alliance for Tobacco-Free Tripura” through active engagement of stakeholders and senior anti-tobacco officials to ensure coordinated and sustained action across the state.

Key activities conducted during the financial year of 2025-26:

• One-day district-level stakeholder orientation workshop organized on 22nd April 2025 in North Tripura under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate & Collector, which was attended by officials from various line departments, representatives of CSOs/NGOs, and women’s group leaders. Objectives were to create a tobacco-free ecosystem, enhance understanding of the harmful effects of tobacco on society, and promote collective action to safeguard future generations.
• One State-Level Multi-Sectoral Workshop in collaboration with the National Law University, Tripura at Agartala which was inaugurated by the Honourable Chief of Whip, Tripura Legislative Assembly. Distinguished dignitaries included Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh, Dr. Abhijit Das, State Programme Officer, NTCP, Tripura, Dr. Sreelekha Ray, President of VHA Tripura. Shri Deepak Mishraji from SEEDs was the main resource person besides Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor of National Law University, Tripura. Participants were from various line departments.
• World No Tobacco Day 2025 was observed through a series of activities carried out across four districts of Tripura, culminating in a state-level rally & workshop on 31st May 2025. The initiatives primarily engaged women SHG members, college and school students, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue on tobacco control. The observance also featured a range of participatory activities designed to maximize outreach and community involvement.
• State-Level Media Sensitization Programme was organized on 30th June 2025 in Agartala Press Club, in collaboration with the Tripura Journalists Association and National Health Mission, Tripura. It was witnessed active participation from both print and electronic media professionals, creating a dynamic forum for dialogue and knowledge exchange. Discussions focused on strengthening the role of media in generating mass awareness on tobacco control across Tripura, with emphasis on responsible reporting, effective public health communication, and community engagement. The programme was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Arup Deb, Joint Mission Director, NHM, and Pranab Sarkar, President of the Agartala Press Club.

• District-Level Law Enforcers’ Training on COTPA 2003, was organized in Gomati on 11th July 2025 and in Unakoti on 12th August 2025, in collaboration with the respective district administrations. Active participation by senior officials and key representatives, created a platform for in-depth discussions and capacity building. During the event several important decisions were taken place, including the reconstitution of enforcement squads, initiation of regular enforcement drives, and the inclusion of stakeholders beyond the government system to ensure a more coordinated and effective approach towards tobacco control.
• An important meeting of Alliance for Tobacco Free Tripura organized in Conference Hall of National Health Mission (NHM), Tripura, under the chairmanship of the Mission Director, NHM Tripura on 12-09-2025, in collaboration with National Health Mission (NHM), Tripura. Few decisions were taken in the meeting to support the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) for Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) implementation, quarterly meetings of alliance, development of a comprehensive communication strategy for public awareness, support for Tobacco Free Models to motivate others, special drive for Tobacco Free Educational Institutions.
• A State-Level Meeting on Advancing Tobacco Vendor Licensing was organized on 22nd December 2025 at Agartala in collaboration with the Department of Urban Development. The meeting aimed to sensitize officials of Urban Local Bodies on the importance of vendor licensing as an effective measure for tobacco control. The main resource person was Dr. Amit Yadav, Deputy Director – Tobacco Control at Vital Strategies, New Delhi, who highlighted the burden of tobacco use in India with special reference to Tripura.
• A city-level meeting was held on 18th March in Conference Hall of the Udaipur Municipal Council in Udaipur (Gomati district) under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chairperson of the Municipal Council. It brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the implementation of tobacco vendor licensing. It served as a platform to discuss regulatory provisions, clarified procedures, and highlighted the importance of vendor licensing as an effective tobacco control measure. The interaction encouraged a significant step towards regulating tobacco sales and promoting a healthier, tobacco-free urban environment.

Key achievement:

• VHAT initiated the formation of an “Alliance for Tobacco-Free Tripura,” bringing together key personalities from various departments and agencies across Tripura. This initiative aims to create a coordinated and enabling ecosystem to address tobacco-related issues and advance the vision of a tobacco-free state through collective action and shared responsibility.
• In collaboration with Panchayati Raj Institutions, focused efforts were undertaken to promote tobacco-free villages, particularly in Sepahijala district. These initiatives emphasize community engagement and local governance as critical drives in addressing tobacco use, which remains a major public health concern.
• Introduction of tobacco vendor licensing in Tripura was initiated during the financial year 2025–26, starting with the Udaipur Municipal Council. This marked a significant step towards regulating the sale of tobacco products and strengthening enforcement mechanisms at the urban local body level.
• We have successfully implemented the National Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign across Tripura state in collaboration with the State Tobacco Control Cell and Tripura University. The campaign actively engaged young population, raising awareness and fostering youth-led advocacy for tobacco control.
• VHAT has been actively participating in District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meetings on tobacco control across key districts, including Gomati, West Tripura, and South Tripura. These engagements have strengthened inter-departmental coordination, facilitated regular review of tobacco control activities, and supported more effective implementation at the district level.
• Collaborative actions have also been undertaken in alignment with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, integrating tobacco control efforts within the broader framework of substance abuse prevention. This convergence approach has helped amplify outreach, enhance community awareness, and promote a unified response towards reducing addiction and fostering healthier communities.

Notifications issued by various departments of Tripura State Government:-

• Tobacco Free Village across all Gram panchayats and Village Committees under its jurisdiction of Charilam RD Block, Sepahijala District. Issued on 28-11-2025 by the Block Development Officer under Chairmanship of Charilam Panchayat Samiti, Charilam Block, Sepahijala district.
• Promoting Tobacco Vendor Licensing, issued by Dy. Chief Executive Officer, Udaipur Municipal Council on 16-03-2026, Gomati District and West District on 15-12-2025.
• Notification for District Level Coordination Committee Meetings where VHAT was a member. Gomati District- on 22-05-2025, North Tripura District- 24-10-2025 & Khowai District- 21-11-2025.
• Tobacco Free Educational Schools, issued by District Education Officers- Khowai District- 24-11-2025 & North District- 15-12-2025.