The Additional Deputy Commissioner, (ADC) Shopian, Yar Ali Khan today chaired a district level Coordination Committee meeting at Mini Secretariat, here to review the action taken till date towards the furtherance of Tobacco free society and to discuss and approve the future plan of action against the implementation of COTPA Act, 2003.
At the outset, CMO Shopian, Dr Arshid presented an overview of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), while an expert from DHSK presented discussion on the agenda points.
On the occasion, directions were given for making all government institutions/ private premises 'Tobacco Free Zones' and all educational institutions as 'Tobacco Free Educational institutions ' as per the guidelines.
ADC also directed for displaying mandatory prominent signages across the district, at public places, institutions, etc denouncing use of Tobacco products. Directions were also passed to all stakeholders for taking strict action against retailers promoting Tobacco use through surrogate advertising.
Emphasis was given on conducting intensive IEC activities across the district for dissemination of information on the adverse impacts of tobacco use. Capacity building of stakeholders was asked to be stressed for implementation along with increasing challans against the violations of the Act.
Besides, feasibility of vendor licensing was also discussed in the meeting. SP, Ifroz Ahmad; CMO, Dr.Arshid; CEO Mohd Mushtaq; DIO, STO, EO MC, ADP and other concerned attended the meeting besides a team of specialists from DHSK.