Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab has initiated a crusade to eradicate tobacco use to save children and youth across the State. As part of this campaign a Consultation on Tobacco Vendor Licensing was organized by State Tobacco Control Cell, Punjab with technical support of International Union and Generation Saviour Association, in which representatives from government departments and non government organization of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh participated.Taking part in the consultation Dr Nirlep Kaur, State Nodal Officer, Tobacco Control, Government of Punjab said that Health department of Punjab has taken up tobacco control as a flagship program at National level also steps taken by the state are appreciated. She said that tobacco Vendor Licensing is a cost effective tool for reducing tobacco consumption. She said that Himachal Pradesh has already made an act for licensing tobacco vendors.She further added that during year 2018-19, 23,886 Challans have been issued against the violators under Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act, 2003 (COTPA, 2003).
In a recent Notification issued on May 28 by Govt. of Punjab, Mass Media officers, Block extension Educators and Multi Purpose Health Supervisors are now authorized to challan under Section 4 and 6 of COTPA, 2003.She said that Punjab is a pioneer state to focus on youth by timely ban on E cigarettes, Hookah bars and by declaring Colleges/Universities as Tobacco Free. Total 730 villages have been declared themselves Tobacco Free Villages by passing the resolution. Tobacco Cessation centers have been established in all the districts of the state. Free counseling and cessation medicines like Tab Bupropion, Nicotine gums and patches are being provided in these centers. Total 12,428 Tobacco users have received services at these centers in year 2018-19. State will continue making efforts to curb the menace of Tobacco as this will go a long way in deterring young children & youth from initiation & also motivate current users to quit.