YUPIA, Jun 12: A joint market inspection and enforcement drive was conducted on Thursday in the vicinity of Government Higher Secondary School, Doimukh, and Government Middle School, Rono, aimed at verifying trading licenses, checking commercial irregularities, and enforcing the ban on the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions.
The drive was carried out by a joint team comprising officials from the administration, Trade & Commerce Department, and police personnel from Doimukh Police Station, led by Doimukh Circle Officer Nyalisa Raji. The team included Trade Development Officer (TDO) Sorang Yapa and Trade & Commerce Inspector Toko Mira, among others.
During the verification drive, eight shops were found operating without valid trading licenses, while three shops were functioning with expired licenses. Penalties amounting to Rs 3,000 were collected from shops operating without valid licenses.
As part of the enforcement exercise, all visible tobacco products were seized from shops found violating regulations near school premises.
The team also conducted an on-the-spot awareness and advisory programme for shopkeepers, educating them on the legal procedures for obtaining and renewing trading licenses through the Trade & Commerce Department.
Shop owners were instructed not to stock, display, or sell tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions. They were warned that stricter action, including sealing of shops, could be initiated against repeat offenders.
The shopkeepers were also sensitised about the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the legal consequences of violating its norms.
TDO Sorang Yapa stated that similar inspection and awareness drives would be conducted regularly to ensure compliance with licensing regulations and tobacco control laws while promoting responsible business practices. (DIPRO)