Kohima: In a decisive move to bolster public health, the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima and Chairman of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under the National Tobacco Control Programme, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, has mandated the rigorous enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, throughout the district.
An official circular released by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner urgently calls upon all village councils, municipal and town wards, government departments, educational institutions, commercial establishments, and the general populace to adhere completely to the stipulations outlined in the Act.
The directive explicitly prohibits smoking in all public spaces, encompassing government buildings, healthcare centers, educational facilities, public transportation, restaurants, and entertainment venues, further emphasizing the necessity for prominent display of “No Smoking” signs in these areas to ensure widespread compliance.
Furthermore, all forms of direct and indirect advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products are now forbidden, including point-of-sale displays, hoardings, and any promotional activities designed to encourage tobacco consumption.
The sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18 is strictly outlawed, with vendors now obligated to verify the age of all purchasers, and the sale of these products within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, is also prohibited.
Authorities spanning the district have received firm instructions to guarantee the effective implementation of these regulations within their respective areas of responsibility, with any instances of violation or challenges in enforcement to be reported to the District Nodal Officer, District Tobacco Control Cell, Kohima.
This directive underscores Kohima’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding public health and aligns with continuous initiatives aimed at fostering a tobacco-free environment within the district.
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