Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Pandey chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in the district. Discussions were held on measures to reduce tobacco consumption in the district, particularly by motivating youth and other stakeholders.
The DC called on CMO and CEO to ensure that signages displaying ‘Tobacco Free Zone’ are installed in educational institutions including schools and colleges. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining vigilance at identified points and asked enforcement agencies to undertake drives to control the illegal sale and use of tobacco near educational institutions.
He urged stakeholders to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco at all levels. The meeting was attended by ADC Billawar, CMO Kathua, ACR, District Immunisation Officer and District Tuberculosis Officer, as well as other concerned officers from various departments.
Rahul Pandey also chaired a review meeting of the Advisory Committee on PC-PNDT ACT-1994 (Pre-conception & Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques). Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rakesh Magotra provided an update on the status of government and private ultrasound clinics in the district, including their registration status, inspections and availability of sonologists.
Pandey stressed the need for stringent implementation of PC-PNDT rules 1994 and directed concerned officers to inspect clinics and undertake decoy activities to identify defaulters and improve the sex ratio in the district.