The northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya has achieved the highest percentage of tobacco-free educational institutions in the country, according to a report from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The report, titled 'Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions in India', states that 86% of schools in Meghalaya are compliant with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) provisions.
The data, compiled for the 2022-23 period, shows Meghalaya significantly ahead of the national average of approximately 60% compliance. The state's achievement is attributed to stringent monitoring and enforcement by district-level authorities, alongside awareness campaigns targeting students and staff.
The COTPA mandates that educational institutions must display 'Tobacco Free Area' signage, ensure no tobacco products are sold within 100 yards of their premises, and prohibit tobacco use on campus. The Ministry's report highlights the critical role of such measures in protecting youth from tobacco initiation and exposure.
While Meghalaya leads in percentage terms, other states like Gujarat and Maharashtra have a higher absolute number of compliant schools due to their larger size. Health officials emphasize that consistent enforcement remains a challenge in many regions, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to maintain these tobacco-free zones.
