JAMMU: Additional Deputy Commissioner Ansuya Jamwal today chaired the District Level Coordination Committee meeting on National Tobacco Control Programme implementation in the district. Key stakeholders participated in the discussion, shedding light on critical aspects of tobacco control.
Dr. Mridula Singh delivered a detailed presentation outlining the objectives of the programme, with a focus on raising awareness about tobacco’s harmful effects and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation such as the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Highlighting the menace of second-hand smoke, it was emphasised that passive smoking poses a significant threat to public health.
The meeting underscored the importance of enforcing COTPA provisions, including the prohibition of smoking in public places, display of designated “No Smoking” signage, and restrictions on tobacco sales near educational institutions. Surrogate advertising emerged as a challenge, prompting a call for vigilant monitoring and enforcement.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Ansuya Jamwal stressed the need for interdepartmental coordination to effectively implement tobacco control measures. She emphasised the role of various stakeholders, including government departments, educational institutions, and civil society, in fostering awareness and compliance.
The meeting also emphasised the deployment of dedicated inspection squads to enforce signage requirements and curb illicit tobacco sales.
Among the attendees were Chief Medical Officer Dr. Harbaksh Singh, Deputy Director Information Varinder Gupta, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Shahzada Noor ud Din, Assistant Commissioner (D), Dr.Vikas Sharma and District Social Welfare Officer Mamta Rajput, along with Divisional Coordinator Shiveta Raina and DPM Jammu NHM Dr Isha Kohli.