A meeting of District Level Coordination Committee for implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) -2003 under the National Tobacco Control Program was held today at the mini-secretariat Kulgam.The meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kulgam, Viqar Ahmed Giri reviewed the implementation of COTPA-2003 in the district.
During the meeting, the District Programme Manager through a PowerPoint presentation enumerated the role and responsibilities of various departments/ stakeholders in tobacco control. It was informed that in the 1st quarter, 294 challans have been executed on violators realising a fine of Rs 25450, besides a number of awareness programmes, counseling sessions were also held.
The ADC instructed the CEO and other concerned to ensure that no sale of Tobacco products is permitted within 100 yards of institutional premises. The Officers and heads of institutions were tasked with ensuring that all offices maintain tobacco-free environments.
The ADC urged all stakeholders present to collectively ensure the rigorous implementation of COTPA-2003, which is aimed at combating the tobacco menace. The meeting was attended by ACR,SDM Noorabad, CMO,CEO and other officers.