Kengoo Zuringla chairs DLCC review meeting on NTCP
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Kangpokpi, February 09 2023:
Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi, Kengoo Zuringla yesterday chaired a District Level Co-ordination Committee (DLCC) review meeting on National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) at Conference Hall, DC Office Complex.
Speaking on the occasion, Kengoo Zuringla stated that it is the responsibility of everyone to maintain the sanctity of the DC Office Complex.
She continued that it is time to look for the enforcement of the guidelines under the programme starting from the office premises, mainly displaying sign boards/pictorial boards.
"The focus should also be made on shops and educational institutions regarding the enforcement of the guidelines of the programme to save the lives of the people", she added.
Asking the ZEO and others to think on the implementation process, she opined that if teachers can help in awareness among the students then it can make great impact in the society.
"CEO, SHADC can look for the enforcement of the guidelines at commercial shops", the DC asserted.
SM Monkhoom, State Consultant, NTCP Manipur shared that Dailong village in Tamenglong district has been declared as tobacco-free zone.
He also elaborated on NTCP and guided the participants on collection of fines and issuance of challan.
Premjit Thokchom, co-founder and president, Tobacco Control/Education, Sangai Youth Tobacco Free and Educational Organisation spoke on implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 or COTPA.
"Manipur has 55.1 percent tobacco users as per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) survey conducted in 2016-17, which is the 3rd highest in the country.
As per the survey report, the prevalence of tobacco use is highest in Tripura (64.5%) followed by Mizoram (58.7%)", he added.
Premjit further elaborated on the main provisions under COTPA especially focusing on Section 4: prohibition of smoking in public places, Section 5: prohibition of advertisement, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco products, Section 6: prohibition of sale of tobacco products to minors and Section 7: restriction of trade & commerce and production, supply and distribution of tobacco products including pictorial depiction of health warnings.
The meeting was organised by District Health Society, Kangpokpi.