The programmes were aimed at making the State a ‘Tobacco Free State’ this year. In a recent programme held in Pakyong, State Nodal Officer Dr PM Pradhan said that it was a movement to make aware all the public about tobacco. A coalition community was also formed with the NGOs, Government departments and the civil society of Pakyong sub-division to make aware of tobacco.
On October 2, 2008, the Supreme Court had issued notification regarding prohibition of smoking in public places. An awareness camp was also organised recently at Rangpo, Singtam, Rhenock and Rongli.
Dr Pradhan, who was present, said that awareness camp will be organised in various places this month for the general public about the hazards of public smoking. He also appealed to general public to cooperate in this movement to make Sikkim a Smoke Free State. President of Marwari Yuva Manch, Singtam branch urged the department to ban the exhibition and advertisement of tobacco in Sikkim.