By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 30: Reinvigorating the zero-tolerance policy against tobacco near schools, the East Jaintia Hills Police, under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, and the Health department, has pledged to take stringent measures against smoking in public places and the sale of tobacco within 100 yards of educational institutions.
In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), all police officers in East Jaintia Hills have received comprehensive training conducted by the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), Department of Health, in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation (SHF), the police said in a statement.
As a testament to their commitment, all police officers also took an oath to fight against tobacco, it added.
It is believed that 40% of all types of cancers are caused by tobacco, with 90% of oral and lung cancers being directly attributable to its use. Nicotine present in cigarettes and other tobacco products is more addictive than heroin and less than 5% of users are successful in quitting. Therefore, the most effective strategy is to prevent initiation of tobacco use among children.
As per Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, “Whoever gives, or causes to be given, to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance,
except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees.”
State Nodal Officer of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), NHM, Dr Lana L Nongbri, highlighted the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), revealing that 33.6% of 13-15-year-olds in the state are tobacco consumers. The Health and Education department are together running the Tobacco Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) programme in all districts to reduce the prevalence in the state.