Kohima, August 20 (DIPR): A workshop-cum-training for Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) volunteers on harmful effects of tobacco and COTPA 2003 was held at Panchayat Hall, Kohima Village on August 19. The programme was organized by KVYO in collaboration with the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Kohima.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor in his speech said that many Naga people are in the habit of using tobacco, which has harmful effects on the society. He therefore urged every individual to maintain self control and sensitize on the harmful effects of tobacco in their respective areas for the benefit and betterment of the society.
He stated that the recent declaration of Kohima as Smokeless City was to enforce prohibition of smoking in public places. He requested all the stakeholders to join hands in such tobacco control activities for better health and environment of the society. The DC also commended KVYO for being one of the strongest organizations in the district and further sought their assistance and support while implementing the COTPA Act 2003 with the Enforcement Officer in the district. He also stressed on the requirement of appropriate approaches and dealings to implement the Act. The DC expressed hope that with all the responsible stakeholders working together, the Act will be implemented successfully in the district.
Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA), Mezivolu T. Therieh as a resource person spoke on ‘The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003 (COTPA)’. She highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the authorized officers to collect fines, State Government to lay down detail guidelines for ensuring accountability for the amount collected as fine and channelizing of funds collected through fine. She also highlighted the roles and responsibilities of KVYO volunteers and other stakeholders while enforcing the Act in the district.
Additional Director & State Nodal Officer (NOHP), Department of H&FW, Dr. Nisietsolie Savino also spoke on the topic, “Harmful Effects of Tobacco”. He said that tobacco is now the world’s leading single cause of death as per the World Health Statistics, 2008 report. Tobacco accounts for 5 million global deaths per year, according to the report. He also stressed on the three ways of tobacco effects - health, economy and environment.
General Secretary of KVYO, Kezhalelie Keretsu, who chaired the programme, stated the organization feels the need to create awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco in the around 20 schools and colleges located in Kohima Village. The KVYO also expressed happiness on the activities being carried out by the DTCC and further assured to remain as the strongest supporter of DTCC in its activities in the days to come.
The Nodal Officer of DTCC Kohima, Dr. Arenla Walling proposed the vote of thanks. The Deputy Commissioner also distributed the certificate of participation by the National Tobacco Control Programme DTCC, Kohima during the training programme.
