The Government of Punjab has resolved to make Mohali its first tobacco control and smokefree district and a model for others as we result. Mohali has one million residents and a large migratory and industrial population...

The Government of Punjab has resolved to make Mohali its first tobacco control and smokefree district and a model for others as we result. Mohali has one million residents and a large migratory and industrial population. The first step towards achieving the goal of a smokefree Mohali was a high-level workshop organised by the Government of Punjab and the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Generation Saviour Association. This was held in early July and served to sensitise some 100 stakeholders from municipal councils, various government departments and civil society organisations (CSOs).

The action plan, which the government has underway, includes establishing an institutional framework for smokefree enforcement; capacity building of enforcers; creating awareness among residents; developing coalitions among stakeholders; effective enforcement of the smokefree provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act and policy-focused strategic research.

The Union is providing technical and limited funding support to this initiative.