Newmai News Network
AIZAWL, MAY 7
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]izoram has the highest rate of tobacco consumption in India with a record of 67% of its population using different kinds of tobacco products, reports Global Adult Tobacco Survey.
The fourth meeting of Smoke Free Mizoram Collision was held today at the Chief Minister Conference Hall under the leadership of Mizoram Health minister Lal Thanzara. It was attended by Principal Secretary R.L Rinawm, Principal Director Dr. K.Ropar, SFMC members and several health officers. In the meeting it is highlighted that the hilly tribal state has registered the highest rate of tobacco consumption in India. As per the latest report prepared by Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2010, 67% of Mizo used tobacco of different products.Smoke Free Mizoram Collision meeting held today has agreed that besides NGOs massive campaign to end tobacco consumption in the state, step would also be taken continuously by the concern department to teach users to abstain from tobacco and other nicotine substances. The meeting had also decided to award those individuals who have given up tobacco for good. It is also mentioned in the meeting that a slogan which warns consumption of tobacco would be displayed in all the OPD cards issued from Civil Hospital. Private clinics are also asked to follow the same prohibitory warning.
The SFMC meeting further decided that as the World No Tobacco Day which is observed every on 31st May falls technically on Saturday this year, preparation should be made to observe the day all over Mizoram on 30th May as per convenience. The theme for this year is “Tax tihsan (Rising tax)”, of which would be discussed by Legislatures and Officials on 30th May.
In Mizoram , the total percentage of tax levied from tobacco at present is 13.5 % which is comparatively low as compared to other Indian states. The meeting decided that immediate step should be taken to raise tobacco tax in the state.
It may be mentioned that in Mizoram, there is large scale violation of COTPA 2003 Section 5 which prohibits commercial advertisement of tobacco by film translators and film (old) broadcasters. A disclaimer which warns using tobacco must be displayed is dubbed movie when the character appeared with smoking in the scene.
Therefore, the meeting agreed to give awareness to film makers and broadcaster to apply the same procedure while dubbing a film or translating a movie.
It is also decided that people should be notified that any complaint with respect to using tobacco can be submitted to the office of Deputy Commissioner in a very district. Besides, a complaint related to vehicular smoke can also be directed to Traffic Control through a telephone number - 0389-2322307.
The meeting further decided that the rules and regulation related with Gutkha product would be revised and upgraded. There is a report of large scale usage of Gutkha product in Mizoram currently. The meeting therefore came out with a decision that public awareness should be launched through social media about the affects of tobacco usage so as to achieve successful result in the campaign for eradication of tobacco and Gutkha products in Mizoram.
