POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Vikas Kundal today chaired a joint meeting focused on the National Tobacco Control Programme and the upcoming Deworming Day, scheduled for March 10. The meeting took place in the conference hall of the Office Poonch including During the meeting, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan thoroughly discussed the status of tobacco consumption and the upcoming arrangements for Deworming Day.
After extensive discussions, the Deputy Commissioner ordered strict enforcement of no-smoking guidelines in government and educational and restrictions on the sale of tobacco products within the vicinity of educational institutions. In a bid to strengthen enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner directed the issuance of challans for smoking in public places. He tasked the Chief Education Officer with implementing awareness programs in schools to promote a tobacco-free environment.
“Awareness campaigns must extend to all villages and panchayats, ensuring that our communities are informed about the dangers of tobacco,” stated Deputy Commissioner Kundal. He advocated for the establishment of “Tobacco-Free Villages and Panchayats” across the district. Meanwhile, It was informed that Deworming Day will be observed on March 10, 2025 and MOP UP Day will take place on March 17, 2025.
The meeting also addressed the Deworming Day initiative, during which tablets will be administered to children in educational institutions, Anganwadi centers, and Madrasas on March 10. Any left-out children will be covered on MOP UP Day on March 17. The Deputy Commissioner set a target of reaching a total of 197,404 children and directed health authorities to ensure that these targets are met without fail.
The Deputy Commissioner also mandated that all government offices display signage indicating their status as tobacco-free zones. He warned that penalties would be imposed for any violations of the new directives, with challan books already distributed to relevant officers. Vendors found violating these orders will face strict action under the applicable rules.
