DC Kupwara reviews measures for implementation of COTPA

Kupwara, Jan 6: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray Friday chaired a meeting of District Level Coordination Committee for National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) to review the measures for implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) -2003.
Addressing the meeting, the DC directed the concerned officers to ensure strict implementation of the provisions of COTP Act in letter and spirit and ensure elimination of use of tobacco products especially from public places across the district.
The DC directed the officers to intensify the drive for imposition of fine on the offenders in and around the hospitals, educational institutions, Government offices, public transport adding that this shall give a strong message to the offenders to refrain from such activity.
Assistant Commissioner Food Safety who was designated as Nodal Officer for enforcement of the COTPA in the district was directed to ensure imposition of challans on the offenders who smoke in public places. He was also directed to submit a monthly report regarding the number of challans made, fine recovered and other controlling measures.
It was given out in the meeting that signage boards shall also be installed in Educational institutions, Government offices, hospitals and passenger buses, displaying no smoking and imposition of fine to prohibit smoking.
The District Enforcement Squad was also designated and consist of CMO, CEO, AC Food Safety and Dy. SP DAR.
To ensure tobacco free schools, the Zonal Education Officers were directed to ensure that no sale of tobacco products/cigarettes is made within 100 yards of each school premises and were asked to report to the District Enforcement Squad if any such sale occurs.
The meeting also discussed various other measures for controlling the use of tobacco products including vendor licensing.
ADC Kupwara, Ghulam Nabi Bhat; CMO Kupwara, Bashir Ahmad Teli; Divisional Nodal Officer for Tobacco Control Programme, Mir Mushtaq; Principals of GDCs, BMOs, besides, officials from State Tobacco Control Cell DHSK and other concerned attended the meeting.