Stakeholders briefed on enforcement of tobacco ban
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Kakching, February 10 2023:
A district level training programme for various stakeholders on enforcement of Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA) in respect of Kakching district was held at the CMO office hall, Kakching on Friday.
The training programme was attended by personnel of district police, teachers and faculty of schools and colleges in Kakching district, staff members of Kakching Municipal Council and presidents & secretaries of women organisations of the district.
NTCP state consultant SM Moonkhum and Sangai Youth Tobacco Free and Educational Institute president Premjit Thokchom spoke as resource persons of the programme.
Kakching Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Thaodem Rajen opened the programme by reiterating the need for involvement of various stakeholders in the district for successful enforcement of COTPA-2003 thereby reducing the adverse impact of tobacco on the society.
SM Moonkhum highlighted the current updates on NTCP, Manipur and commended the strong commitment of the government to control tobacco use and its impact as Manipur ranks third in the country in tobacco use.
The state has set up Tobacco Cessation Centres (TCC) in seven districts and funds will be provided for Kakching district in due course of time, he informed.
Addressing the participants, Premjit Thokchom spoke on COT-PA-2003 and Tobacco Free Educational Institute (ToFEI) guidelines and also highlighted various important sections and sub-sections of COTPA-2003, and penalties for not complying with the rules.
He also expressed concern over overwhelming use of tobacco in Manipur despite various restrictive laws and stated that lack of awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco could be the main reason.
NTCP Kakching district nodal officer Dr Sanasam Jupitar urged all the participants to spread awareness at their personal level and extend cooperation in enforcement of COT-PA-2003 and work towards the goal of tobacco free Kakching district.