Training on tobacco control act conducted
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Churachandpur, March 30 2023: Ihe District Health Society, Churachandpur organised one day district level training on Tobacco Control Act including Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) and Tobacco Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines under the NTCP Programme on Thursday at Churachandpur DC Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat.

Deputy commissioner Dr Sharath Chandra Arroju, ADC Khaikhopau Ngaihte, ASP Deshorjit Singh, chief medical officer Dr T Vanlalkungi and officials from government departments attended the training.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Dr Sharath Arroju cautioned that exposure to tobacco smoke and consumption of tobacco products is one of the leading causes of death, cardiovascular diseases and disability.

While expressing concern that cigarettes are still be ing sold within 100 yards (92 metres) of educational institutions despite prohibition on sale of the same under the COTPA 2003, he called upon officials of district administration, medical department and law enforcement agencies to educate 'ourselves' and equip oneself with adequate knowledge to curb the menace of rampant selling of tobacco products near educational institutions.

Further pointing out that Section 6 of COTPA 2003 prohibits sale of cigarettes to minor and within a radius of 100 yards from any educational institute, he reminded those gathered that smoking in all public places is not permitted under Section 4 of the same legislation.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2015 also states in Section 77 - "It is an offence against a child if a person gives or causes to be given to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner; shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend up to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees".

Sangai Youth Institution president Premjit Thokchom and NTCP state consultant SM Moonkhum presented papers on the subject.

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