Kargil, Sept 19: Going all out on ensuring effective implementation of National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) and Tobacco Free Youth Campaign, the Kargil administration is all set to conduct at mega event for 60 days, as it sets eye on declaring declaring of 160 educational institutions and 20 villages as ‘tobacco-free’.
This was informed as Deputy Commissioner and CEO of LAHDC, Kargil Shrikant Balasaheb Suse chaired a meeting to review the implementation and enforcement of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in the district in his Office Chamber.
“The meeting focused on discussing the implementation of National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) and Tobacco Free Youth Campaign. The meeting extensively discussed the agenda of the DLCC and the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign, including preparations for a mega event for 60 days,” an official spokesperson said.
The overview of COTPA Act and NTCP were also reviewed focusing on prohibiting tobacco advertisements and regulating trade, commerce, production, supply, and distribution to strengthen tobacco control measures.
Strategies and targets for 60-day mega event were discussed including declaring of 160 educational institutions and 20 villages tobacco free.
Speaking on the occasion, Suse-who is also Chairman of District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) of National Tobacco Control Program–instructed officers from Police, Health and Education Departments to develop a collective and effective plan to implement the COTPA and combat the tobacco menace in the district.
He also stressed the need for regular enforcement drives and continuous awareness campaigns at all levels to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use.
In the meeting, DC Shrikant outlined the roles of various departments in tackling the tobacco menace.
He directed the concerned officer from DIPR Kargil to conduct extensive awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of tobacco.
DC Shrikant also directed AD Tourism Kargil to hold special programs to educate drivers and others associated with tourism industry about the dangers of tobacco use.
The Police Department was also instructed to hold a bike rally for public awareness. Additionally, the CEO Kargil was directed to hold awareness programs in schools to educate children about the dangers of tobacco use.
Assistant Director Tourism, Kargil Rehmatullah Bhat, District Immunization Officer, Dr Jaleel, Chief Education Officer, S.D Namgial, besides other concerned officials were present during the meeting.
