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In a landmark public health and education achievement, Meghalaya has become the first state in India where 86% of schools have been certified as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) the highest percentage recorded nationwide. This milestone is crucial as the state records nearly 8,000 tobacco-related deaths every year and 47% of adults aged 15+ consume tobacco in some form, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2017). Recognizing that prevention must begin early, the Government of Meghalaya initiated the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) programme three years ago under the National Health Mission. The programme is being implemented by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Department of Education and Sambandh Health Foundation, with the goal of ensuring that all schools across the state become tobacco free