KATHUA: A Training session for Law Enforcers cum meeting of District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) was today held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rahul Pandey here in the DC Office complex.
DSP (HQ), CMO, Medical Superintendent GMC Kathua, CEO, CAO, Assistant Drug Controller, Food Safety Officer and officers of health department attended the training cum DLCC meeting.
During the meeting, the Divisional Coordinator NTCP, Shiveta Raina threw light on the prevailing tobacco usage scenario of the Jammu and Kashmir UT, besides giving details of the penal and enforcement provisions of COTPA-2003. She also gave an overview of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and strategies on effective implementation of COTPA-2003.
The training was held for key stakeholders under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) with the aim to build the capacity and get a better understanding regarding the enforcement of the provisions of The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 or COTPA, 2003 and to implement National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).
The Deputy Commissioner called upon all stakeholders to actively participate in enforcement of provisions of COTPA-2003 and to generate awareness among the public in general and youth in particular regarding hazardous effects of tobacco use.
Regarding the action plan for curtailment of tobacco usage, he said in Jammu Kashmir the tobacco usage is prevalent in smoking form rather than its consumption in non smoking form so there is need to devise out strategy accordingly to reduce consumption of tobacco. He also called upon the Chief Education Officer, Kathua and principals of colleges to disseminate the message of ill effects of tobacco consumption in morning assemblies/ premises of the institutions.
The DC further enjoined upon other stakeholders to ensure sale of tobacco and related products strictly as per the legal provisions and stringent action shall be taken against the violators.

KR Desk