Attendees of the 4th quarterly review meeting of stakeholders in COPTA on March12 at Dimapur.
DIMAPUR, MARCH 13 (MExN): The 4th Round Quarterly Review Meeting of stakeholders in COTPA (Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act 2003) was held on 12 March at the D.C Conference Hall, Dimapur Under the chairmanship of Tarep Imchen, ADC, Dimapur. The Programme was facilitated by the People in Need Foundation (NGO) and sponsored by the Union Delhi under the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 14 representatives from the District Administration, Excise Department, Police, DMC, Education department, Health/Medical department, NCTP team Dimapur, PNF team and NGOs attended the Programme.
A press note stated that the meeting discussed on the mandatory placement of Tobacco signage in all designated area; implementation of COTPA Act Section 4,5,6,7; nomination of enforcement officers & their Training; constitution of Flying Squad (anti-tobacco squad) and the nomination of teacher in-charge of section 6 & their training
Prem Kumar Singh, Program Manager, Nedhiv welcomed the participants followed by a short self introductory session from the representatives of the meeting. Prem Kumar who welcomed the participants briefed on the meeting agendas.
Ritu Thurr, Dy. CMO, Nodal Officer NTCP of Dimapur initiated the discussion by highlighting some of the ill impacts of tobacco consumption on health of the people, especially in Naga Society. Thur said that Nagaland state has the second highest tobacco consumption next to Mizoram. It was informed that NTCP has initiated awareness and education programmes in various schools, colleges, churches and various departments in Dimapur District to sensitize the people about negative effects of tobacco.
Thur added that people need to work together to combat this issue he said. Thur also pointed out the need for Chalan to be issued and printed out as soon as possible by the concerned authority & its department so that training for law enforcement officers, Flying Squad (Anti-tobacco Squad) and Teacher in-charge of section 6 can be trained. Dr. Ritu also asked the various stakeholders in the district to continue support for the successful implementation of COTPA in the District of Dimapur, Nagaland.
Wati Chuchang Jamir, ASP, Dimapur Police stated that the Police Department has taken up some efforts in mandatory placement of tobacco signage in some designated areas in the department. He also suggested that the enforcement of the COTPA Act can be first started from the District Administration, Police Department and Hospitals and the rest would follow. Mohamed Ali Shihab, IAS (P), AC, Dimapur during the discussion added that good planning; implementing and timely review of the activities would make the programme more successful.
Tarep Imchen, ADC, Dimapur who summarized the discussion said that the tobacco issue has become a serious problem in society. COTPA was passed in 2003 yet difficulty in enforcing it fully exists till date. He stated, “We have still 50% more to be achieved and for which we need to work harder in imparting education on the harmful effects of tobacco to the people in the communities.” He said “we should start educating school students about the ill effects of tobacco. School teachers and concerned authorities should a play positive role in educating the children in the schools”.
With regard to mandatory placement of Tobacco signage in all designated areas, he urged the concerned departments and its authorities to put up signage, stickers, posters etc that are related to Tobacco to create and sensitize the citizens.
The review meeting was concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Mathew Dangmei, Office Manager of the People in Need Foundation, Dimapur.
