HAWAI, 19 Aug: Anjaw deputy commissioner Millo Kojin stressed the need for strict enforcement of COTPA, 2003, and called for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach for effective tobacco control.
"Effective tobacco control requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving health, education, police, labour, food and civil supplies, administration and community-level functionaries," the DC said during a DLCC meeting on tobacco control here on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Kojin reviewed implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme, enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines and other tobacco-control measures in the district.
The DC called for greater involvement of ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers and other frontline functionaries in community-level IEC activities to strengthen tobacco control in the district.
During the meeting, the district programme officer, Tobacco Control Programme, presented an overview of the implementation of NTCP in the district and highlighted the ongoing activities, achievements and challenges.
SP Anurag Dwivedi briefed the committee on various provisions of COTPA, 2003 and emphasised regular monitoring and enforcement. He suggested conducting periodic unannounced checks and inspections to detect violations and ensure compliance with the Act.
On maintaining Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions, the DDSE informed the committee that awareness programmes, including talks and dedicated sessions during school assemblies, are being conducted to educate students about tobacco addiction and its harmful effects.
The committee stressed continuous monitoring of educational institutions and strict compliance with ToFEI guidelines.
It was also decided to ensure that tobacco products are not sold within the prohibited perimeter of educational institutions.
The committee members also discussed monitoring the sale and distribution of tobacco products.
Shopkeepers dealing in tobacco products have been directed to prominently display the prescribed notices regarding prohibition of smoking and prohibition of sale of tobacco products to minors. Coordinated inspections of shops and other locations selling tobacco products were also emphasised.
The meeting paid special attention to labour camps, and directed officials to inspect and verify availability and sale of tobacco products there and take appropriate action, wherever required.
The meeting further decided to expand tobacco-control IEC activities beyond health institutions through schools, frontline workers, community platforms and social media, particularly to reach young people.
The committee members resolved to further strengthen enforcement of COTPA, promote tobacco-free educational institutions, intensify community and school-based awareness activities and improve inter-departmental coordination for effective tobacco control in the district. (DIPRO)
