Close

DC Namchi chairs a meeting on National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)

Publish Date : 01/08/2024
dncamon

Namchi, July 29 (IPR): Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi chaired a meeting on The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) held at yhe chamber of District Collector Namchi, today.
Present during the meeting were Mr Passing Tshering Lepcha ASP Namchi, Dr SN Adhikari ( CMO) Namchi, Dr Urgen Sherpa Principal Chief Consultant, Mr Suraj Rai CEO Education, Mr G P Sharma Joint Director Education Namchi, Mr Wangyal Lepcha Deputy Director Agriculture, Mr Deshpath Lama MEO Namchi, Mr Sanjeev Mukhia (representative of CTI) Finance, Mr Passang Tshering Bhutia General Secretary District NGO (Disstri) Namchi and officers from various line departments.
During the meeting, the DC highlighted about the rising risk of tobacco consumption and suggested to work on making the schools and its premises Tobacco free. She urged all the line departments to work in-coordination in spreading awareness and to strictly implement the rules and regulations listed in Tobacco Act.
In addition to it, she asked the committee members to check and monitor the shops, markets areas , public areas, restaurant and all educational and religious premises accordingly and maintain proper record.
Further, she instructed the committee members to conduct a joint checking in the entire district. She stated to thoroughly check their license, making sure that they are not selling anything else apart from their permitted licensed goods. She also advised on taking strict action if anyone violation occurs.
Dr SN Adhikari (CMO) Namchi, in his address suggested in making a Tobacco Control Committee in schools as an additional activity to be a part of various school Clubs. He also added in taking base wise actions, starting with the higher secondary schools, senior secondary schools and private schools. He said that the schools should be awarded with prizes on the basis of their tobacco free reports.
Dr Urgen Sherpa Principal Chief Consultant, briefed about Tobacoo Act and Provision of Act in his Power Point Presentation, emphasing mainly in Section 4 which is Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution of Tobacco.
He further explained the importance of baning of smoking in public spaces as it not only affects the smokers but also effects the non-smokers mainly concerning young children. He also suggested to put up a board of anti tobacco at the entrance of all the institutions.
Mr Suraj Rai CEO Education, in his address said that they are conducting monthly checking of schools canteen and nearby shops as they have informed the vendors not to sell any tobacco products in the schools premises. He added that they have included activities in educating children about tobacco effects and to make it more prominent he asked the DC for the permission of flex boards.
Mr Deshpath Lama MEO Namchi informed about the tobacco free programme conducted in Namchi which was very successful. He suggested on checking the hotels and restaurant at least once a month. He also advised on making a separate smoking zone in every hotels.
Mr Sanjeev Mukhia ( representative of CTI) Finance, briefed about new online portal surveys and data analyzing and taxes, as well as other statistics on tobacco. He suggested on imposing an additional fine to those shops which sells tobacco products while renewing their license.
Mr Passang Tshering Bhutia General Secretary District NGO (Disstri) Namchi addressed concerns in the rural areas, particularly among the elderly person. He suggested on imposing fines on the violation of Tobacco Act. He also highlighted about their various awareness programme in society for the people.
It should be noted that, this is the first meeting for National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) after the pandemic and the DC has proposed on holding at least one meeting every two or three months with the strong follow up of report.