District Magistrate Longleng issues order on tobacco control programme

Dimapur: District Magistrate (DM), Longleng, Dharam Raj has issued an order for enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Programme and Section 4 of COTPA 2003 in schools and other public places under Longleng District.

The order was issued in view of a number of cases being reported regarding the consumption of tobacco and other products containing tobacco by school students and children below 18 years of age, an official report stated.

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As per the order, smoking and chewing tobacco are strictly prohibited in all educational institutions and the same have been declared as no smoking zones under COTPA 2003.

“Therefore, all educational institutions within the district have been directed to initiate the Anti-Tobacco Cell within their respective schools with immediate effect. All educational institutions should observe the norms as laid down under the ToFEI guidelines to declare themselves as tobacco-free schools,” it stated.

All schools have also been directed to register formal complaints against tobacco-selling shops located within 100 yards of the school premises, or any shop selling tobacco products to minors below 18 years and to students in uniforms, to the District Level Enforcement Squad (Mobile Helpline No:9612640256).

“Also, under the abovementioned act, if anybody is found smoking in any public places (including hotels or restaurants and government offices) other than the place designated for smoking, the person shall be fined Rs. 200/- each for the number of offenses,” the order stated.

The onus of imposition of such fine lies with the authority/manager/officer in charge of the public place.

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All hotels/ restaurants and other public utility places have also been directed to mandatorily declare no smoking/smoking-free zones within their premises with the following signage: ‘This is a public place, and smoking here is prohibited. Anybody found violating this order shall be fined Rs. 200/- each for the offense committed.’

The name and telephone numbers of the officer in charge of the public place should also be mentioned in the signage so as to help people report any violation of the order.

Also, schools/educational institutions/ hotels/restaurants or any other public places are to mandatorily display a copy of the order on their respective premises at places visible to all.

“All educational institutions, enforcement squads, ward unions, village councils, and other stakeholders in Longleng District are directed to strictly adhere to these directives and ensure that the use of tobacco is effectively tackled within our district. Any non-compliance with these orders will be dealt with as per the relevant penal provisions under the law,” the order stated.