KUPWARA: A meeting of District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) was held on Friday at Kupwara to review the implementation of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and COTPA in the district. On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, the meeting was convened by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, M Rouf Rehman.
The meeting threadbare discussed the constitution of the enforcement squad and designated committees for verification of claims regarding Tobacco Free Education Institutions, besides inter departmental coordination mechanism and challenges of implementation of NTCP in the district. Addressing the meeting, the ADC asked the officers to join their heads and hands to ensure proper implementation of provisions of NTCP and COTPA regulations to save the young generation from becoming the victim of tobacco products.
He enjoined upon the officers to ensure no smoking at hospitals, schools, government offices, food establishments, bus stands, public transport, shopping complexes, saloons, public parks and playgrounds. The officers were directed to ensure that no sale of tobacco products is allowed within 100 yards of educational institutions.
The ADC put emphasis on the need for awareness across blocks, villages and panchayat levels regarding the ill effects of consuming tobacco to eliminate the menace from the region. To ensure prohibition of smoking in minors, it was given out that the sale of tobacco products to a minor will invite a penalty of Rs.10000 on the seller. ASP Handwara, Dy. SP Kupwara, Nodal Officer DTCC, AC Food Safety and other concerned officers and officials attended the meeting.
