CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A district-level coordination committee meeting was held at the Collector’s office to ensure compliance with the guidelines of the National Tobacco Control Program. During the meeting, detailed information about the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, was shared.
Additional District Magistrate Sumit Kumar Pandey directed all departments to work in coordination for the effective implementation of tobacco control activities.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Neetu Singh Thakur, Nodal Officer of the Tobacco Control Program Dr. Jyotirmay Chakravarty, District Tobacco De-addiction Center Counselor Sarika Dubey, Drug Inspector Tabassum Merotha, Food Inspector Arunesh Patel, C.B. Tiwari from the Higher Education Department, and NGO President Deepesh Dubey.
Under the Tobacco Control Program, awareness activities are being conducted through coordinated efforts of various departments including Public Health and Medical Education, School Education, Home Department, Women and Child Development, Food and Drug Administration, Panchayat and Rural Development, Higher Education, and Urban Administration. Monitoring and enforcement actions, including penalties, are also being carried out. Special emphasis is being placed on discouraging youth from using tobacco products and ensuring compliance with tobacco control laws.
It was informed during the meeting that the Government of India enacted the Tobacco Control Act, 2003, on May 18, 2003, to curb the increasing use of tobacco. The Act applies to all products containing tobacco in any form and primarily focuses on four key areas. Under Section 4, smoking is prohibited in public places, and violations can result in a fine of up to ₹200.
Chief Medical and Health Officer, Bhopal, Dr. Manish Sharma stated that for effective implementation of the Act, cooperation from government departments and non-governmental organizations is being ensured under the guidance of the district administration.
