BASAR, Nov 13: As part of the initiatives under the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 4.0 (TFYC 4.0) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Leparada in collaboration with the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF)-cum-Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre, Leparada organized an awareness programme on substance abuse and harmful effects of tobacco use at Govt Upper Primary School (GUPS), Gako Dapo village under Tirbin circle.
During the programme, the school was formally declared a Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) under the TFYC 4.0, marking an important step towards promoting a healthy and tobacco-free learning environment for students.
Students were also sensitized about the harmful consequences of substance abuse and tobacco consumption, along with the importance of maintaining good physical as well as mental health. Information on Tele-MANAS, the 24×7 toll-free mental health helpline (14416), was disseminated among the students to familiarize them with the availability of accessible mental health counselling and support services.
As part of the awareness drive, an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) poster campaign was also conducted to sensitize local shopkeepers about the provisions of Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Particular emphasis was laid on the prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to minors and the ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.
The programme focused on creating awareness among students and local shopkeepers about the health risks associated with tobacco consumption and substance abuse, as well as the legal provisions governing tobacco control. The initiative also highlighted the importance of keeping educational institutions tobacco-free and ensuring that students are aware of the support services available for mental health-related concerns.
The DTCC further stated that more such awareness camps and outreach programmes would be conducted across the district under the TFYC 4.0, with a particular focus on young people and vulnerable sections of society. (DIPRO)