Yupia, Aug 3: The District-Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) on Monday reviewed the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act, 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, at a meeting held at the Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall in Yupia.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and DLCC Chairperson Hage Mamu. Emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of tobacco control laws, the Deputy Commissioner directed District Nodal Officer for NTCP and COTPA, Dr Lobsang Chuki, to notify authorized officers empowered to enforce Section 4 of the COTPA Act, enabling them to impose and collect fines for smoking in public places.
She also instructed that the list of authorized officers, along with their contact details, be made public to enable citizens to report violations.
Stressing the importance of awareness generation, Mamu called for intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities through educational institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Bazaar Welfare Committees and other stakeholders to ensure that tobacco control messages reach the grassroots.
Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar suggested installing COTPA signages at prominent public places across the district and recommended regular enforcement drives and inspections to ensure effective implementation of the law.
Earlier, Dr Lobsang Chuki briefed the members on the objectives of the NTCP, the responsibilities of the DLCC and the key provisions of Sections 4, 6 and 7 of the COTPA Act. She informed the meeting that tobacco use claims over 1.3 million lives annually in India, accounting for nearly 3,500 deaths every day.
She also highlighted the services available at the Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) at CHC Doimukh, which provides counselling and nicotine replacement therapy to help tobacco users quit the habit.
During the meeting, representatives from educational institutions sought support in organising awareness programmes, while members of Bazaar Welfare Committees assured full cooperation in implementing tobacco control measures across the district.
Psychologist Lopa Kena from the Tobacco Cessation Centre demonstrated the use of nicotine replacement therapy, including nicotine gums and patches, to participants.
The meeting concluded with the DC administering the No Tobacco Pledge to all participants. Representatives from schools and colleges, Govt Degree College Doimukh, BWCs, and officials from the Health, Education, Narcotics, Food and Civil Supplies, Agriculture, ICDS and other departments attended the meeting. (DIPRO)