SAMBA, DECEMBER 4: The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) met here today.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Ayushi Sudan, focused on strengthening tobacco control measures, enforcing COTPA provisions and advancing public health initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use across the district.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to curb tobacco consumption, especially among youth, noting its significant health implications and socio-economic impact. She reiterated the district administration’s commitment to implementing NTCP activities in a mission mode and called for proactive involvement of all stakeholder departments.
Sudan reviewed the current status of tobacco-free educational institutions, enforcement drives, IEC activities and compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. She directed enforcement teams to intensify field inspections, particularly around schools, bus stands, markets and other public places. Strict action was stressed against violations such as smoking in public places, sale of tobacco products to minors and sale within 100 meters of educational institutions.
The Deputy Commissioner also instructed the Health Department to scale up awareness programmes in coordination with the Education, Police, Rural Development, Social Welfare and Information Departments. She highlighted the importance of behavioral change communication, community mobilization, and involvement of PRIs, religious leaders and youth groups to create a tobacco-free environment.
The Chief Medical Officer and District Nodal Officer NTCP presented a detailed overview of ongoing activities, enforcement statistics, challenges and the district’s roadmap for the coming months. The DC directed all departments to ensure timely reporting, inter-departmental coordination and sustained outreach to vulnerable groups.
Senior officials from Health, Police, Education, ICDS, Municipal Council, Rural Development, Labour and Information Department attended the meeting and shared department-wise action plans.
The DC called upon stakeholder departments to mobilize public support to reduce tobacco use and promote healthier lifestyles, emphasizing that tobacco control is critical to safeguarding future generations.
