A District-Level Coordination Committee on National Tobacco Control programme (NTCP) meeting was held at DC’s conference hall, Longleng on 29 November.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and Chairman (NTCP) Longleng, Dharam Raj, IAS.
The DC pointed out that only education can keep the younger generation from getting into the habit of consuming tobacco. The DLEC are capable enough to put a ban on tobacco and to impose tobacco free zone in and around Longleng town, he said.
Raj said every member should work collectively and start educating people to make NTCP a successful programme. He further added that the program should start and function as per the guidelines given by the government.
The DC also assured to take up the shortage of manpower to effectively implement the programme.
Dr Pongau, Nodal Officer NTCP, said in order to take NTCP programme forward effectively, the house had requested the chairman of NTCP to address the grievances faced by the district Nodal Officer NTCP in disseminating various programmes in the district.
Credit: IA Longleng
The house also discussed about the imposition of ban on selling of tobacco and its products in and around schools and educational institutions. It was informed that the selling of tobacco products within hundred yards from educational institutions is prohibited and that tobacco items should be confiscated and reported to the District Level Enforcement Squad. The other topics discussed included forming a club or to volunteer to assist the respective educational institutions to check the use of tobacco products within the premises, to tie up with all the stakeholders of the concerned areas, and also to create a smoking zone in no smoking areas.
The house decided to go forward and help the student clubs/volunteers financially in the educational institutions if the student body wants to organise sensitisation and awareness programmes related to tobacco and its products according to COPTA Act 2003.
The house also decided to write a letter to all village councils and to all primary schools up to middle school level. In addition, the house decided to open a tobacco cessation centre at the District Hospital Longleng.
