Achievements in Tobacco Control Maharashtra

(Policy Level Achievements)

• The Government of Maharashtra (Health Department) has taken a significant step toward promoting a smoke-free environment by issuing notifications for government, non-government, private offices, and public place to declare their premises smoke-free with the broader goal of reducing tobacco consumption and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• In response to the state-level directives from education department and health secretary Government of Maharashtra various districts officials have actively started implementing smoke-free notifications. The district education officers, health officers and district nodal officer of Beed, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, and Parbhani have declared the education and health institutions as a smoke-free.
• On July 10, 2023, the Add. Chief Secretary (Public health) Govt of Maharashtra has issued a circular emphasizing on the establishment of Block Level Coordination and Monitoring Committees. These committees, chaired by the Tehsildar and the taluka health officer serving as the members secretary, are instrumental in ensuring effective enforcement of the COTPA 2003 and monitoring the National Tobacco Control Program at the block and village level.
• The Food and Drug Administration Maharashtra Govt. has passed a government resolution advocating for an 85% pictorial health warning on tobacco products with the aim to enhance awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and discourage its consumption especially among the younger generation.
• During SLCC meetings, MGVS raised the issue of Tobacco Vendor Licensing (TVL), prompting the committee to instruct the Urban Development department and Health Department to formulate guidelines for TVL. The completed draft guidelines have now been submitted for approval to the health secretary.
• A significant milestone has been achieved with the drafting and finalization of the comprehensive guidelines on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3 Government resolution for Maharashtra. This resolution, approved by the Chief Secretary of Health is now with the Governor of Maharashtra for approval which will be approved any time soon, underscores the state’s dedication to implementing measures that protect public health by addressing the interference of the tobacco industry.
• In a bid to enhance awareness and foster collaboration, focused group discussions were conducted on FCTC Article 5.3 and the Tobacco Control Sustainability Index with Maharashtra State scoring 91 out of 132. Key stakeholders such as Joint Director-NCD, ADHS, UDD, Home Department, TMH, Healis Sekhsaria, District Consultants and TCC Psychologists participated in these discussions, leading to increased awareness and a strengthened network of support for tobacco control initiatives.
• Implemented a signage campaign across five districts in Maharashtra, namely Satara, Solapur, Dhule, Sangli, and Kolhapur, reaching and sensitizing 10,000 individuals directly. The campaign, inaugurated by the district collector/CEO of the district council in collaboration with the entire DTCC team, featured an awareness program conducted through an auto-rickshaw loaded with Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. The auto-rickshaw played tobacco-free slogans and jingles while traversing the districts. The comprehensive campaign spanned 3-5 days, targeting both government and private offices for sensitization. Additionally, COTPA 2003 compliance was reinforced by displaying flex banners within their respective jurisdictions.

Capacity Building:

• Through 5363 one-to-one and group meetings, engaging state and district key administrates, efforts were made to promote smoke-free, TOFEI notifications, the formation of Block Level Coordination and Monitoring Committees (BLCC), enforcement squads, and the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003. The impact of these initiatives is evident in the increased awareness and commitment among administrative bodies to create healthier and cleaner environments, mitigating the risks associated with tobacco use by declaring smoke-free premises.
• Two State level workshops, 9 key officials workshop and 7 enforcement officials’ workshops at district level and 58 piggyback workshops were conducted to disseminate knowledge and promote understanding of crucial aspects such as Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3, National Tobacco Control Program, and Tobacco Vendor Licensing, NTCP, ENDS Ban and TAPS. This has resulted in increased knowledge on adherence to tobacco control standards and more effective implementation of national tobacco control programs and tobacco control lows.
• The organization of 58 piggyback sessions for key officials, enforcement officials, judicial, education department has had a profound impact on sensitizing stakeholders about COPTA 2003, FCTC Article 5.3, NTCP, and TVL. By targeting key decision-makers and influencers, these sessions have likely translated into more informed policy decisions, better enforcement strategies, and increased support for tobacco control initiatives.

Support to NTCP:

• The successful conduction of 320 Block Level Coordination and Monitoring Committee (BLCC) meetings in project districts indicates a consistent effort to engage local stakeholders in monitoring and enforcing tobacco control measures. These meetings likely led to better coordination, prompt identification of challenges, and effective implementation of initiatives at the grassroots level.
• Engaging in 126 quarterly review meetings with DLCC members/stakeholders in various districts fosters ongoing collaboration and information sharing. This has likely resulted in a more responsive and adaptive approach to addressing emerging challenges in tobacco control. The impact is seen in the sustained momentum and progress in NTCP and COTPA implementation.
• Attendance at 720 DLCC meetings as an NGO member demonstrates a commitment to active participation in decision-making processes at the district level. The impact includes the NGO contributing valuable insights, perspectives, and support to the committee, enhancing the overall effectiveness of tobacco control initiatives.

Smoke-free/Tobacco-free Initiatives:

• The widened ATFM coalition at both state and district levels signifies a strengthened collaborative effort against tobacco use. The inclusion of various stakeholders from NGOs, CSOs, academic institutions, and tobacco activists enhances the diversity of perspectives and resources available for anti-tobacco initiatives. The collective expertise and varied backgrounds within the coalition contribute to a more effective and well-rounded strategy against tobacco use. The creation of coalitions at both state and district levels. Since Q1 three coalitions meetings have been conducted, one physical meeting and two virtual meetings of AFTM have been conducted.
• Sensitizing 72 NGOs and CSOs through workshops has led to a more informed and motivated network of organizations actively participating in Block Level Coordination and Monitoring Committee (BLCC) committees. This heightened awareness and commitment at the community level broaden the impact of tobacco control initiatives, fostering a stronger foundation for the implementation of smoke-free and tobacco-free measures.

Partnership and Networking:

• Collaborating with prominent organizations such as BEST Mumbai, Healis-Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, and Tata Memorial Hospital signifies a strategic approach to addressing tobacco-related issues. These partnerships bring specialized knowledge, resources, and potentially wider community reach to the project. The project can leverage the expertise of these organizations for targeted interventions, public health campaigns, and research initiatives.
• Challaning of total of 20,699 violators in the enforcement drives to remove direct and indirect advertisements from Point of Sale (POS) locations which have resulted in a cleaner, healthier retail environment. This tangible action contributes to a reduction in the visibility and influence of tobacco marketing targeting the youth and younger generations. Since the intervention of MGVS, establishment and re-establishment of enforcement squads and increase in number of challans can be seen.

Support to Policy Focused Research:

• The project successfully conducted both baseline and end-line situational analyses in collaboration with the Government Dental College of Aurangabad, focusing on the project districts. The collected data, gathered systematically for research purposes, will be instrumental in supporting and informing upcoming smoke-free initiatives in the respective project areas.