Baramulla, August 21: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramullah Minga Sherpa presided over a meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) about the implementation of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA-2003) and the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) at DC Office Baramulla today.
Initially, DC highlighted the increasing public health concerns related to tobacco consumption and reiterated the government’s resolve to strictly implement the COTPA-2003 and NTCP guidelines in the district. He said that collective efforts and inter-departmental coordination are necessary to curb the use of tobacco and to protect people, especially the younger generation from their harmful effects.
During the discussion, DC directed all the concerned departments to intensify the invoices drive against violations of tobacco control laws in a constant and coordinated manner. He also emphasized the need to launch a mega information, education and communication (IEC) campaign in Baramulla to raise awareness among the public about the health hazards of tobacco use and to encourage change in society.
Emphasizing the importance of safety of students by coming in contact with tobacco, DC issued specific instructions to the Chief Education Officer to ensure that all educational institutions in the district are declared 100 percent tobacco -free area as per national guidelines. He instructed school officials to start awareness programs, display compulsory signage and strengthen vigilance to prevent the sale or use of tobacco products in and around and around it.
In its closing comment, DC urged all departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination and take active steps to eliminate tobacco use from public places. He said that in association with community awareness, continuous enforcement would pave the way for a healthy future and make Baramulla a role model in tobacco control.
The meeting saw the participation of senior officials of representatives of police, health, education, city council, sales tax, food security and non-governmental organizations.