Health Dept proposes to implement PART&C, PSD of cigarettes, drugs in J&K: SED
Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 02 (KNO): School Education Department has said that the department of Health Services proposes to implement the act of Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production Supply and Distribution of cigarettes and drugs in Jammu and Kashmir.
In this regard, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Anantnag has that a meeting for District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) was held in July under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag for proper implementation of COTPA-2003 under the National Tobacco Control Program.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the decisions that were taken up includes to declare all the government buildings, offices and schools of district Anantnag as Tobacco free and directions were given to install signage boards at all schools and important locations for generating awareness.
“Awareness among the students and arrangements of counseling for them which is crucial for ultimate eradication of tobacco consumption by this vulnerable group and to create tobacco free educational Institutions,” it reads.
Directions were given to all DLCC members to start a massive enforcement drive and also conduct surveys regarding shops selling cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 yards of Educational Institutions.
“As such, it is our moral obligation to educate the students & Society about the adverse effects of Cigarette and drug menace,” reads the official communique. “We must take the message to the students and society in time that will help to grow them into a civilised society.”
CEO accordingly instructed all the stakeholders to conduct survey or mapping of shops in periphery of 100 Yards of Education Institutions and submit the list of shops along with school details selling cigarettes and other banned substances to CEO Anantnag.
“It is again impressed upon all the HOls to identify the students involved in cigarette smoking and other drug addictions, So that they may be counselled in time and saved from ruining the society and the future generations,” the CEO said.
The official said that any discrepancies found regarding the same will be solely attributed to the responsible Head of Institution—(KNO)
