Meghalaya: District officials launch tobacco control awareness drive in Nongpoh

NONGPOH: With an aim to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, the team from the Tobacco Control Programme through the enforcement squad inspected tobacco shops at Nongpoh as part of the enforcement drive under the implementation of COTPA, 2003 to be effective in Ri-Bhoi District.

The District Nodal Officer of Tobacco Control Programme, V. Mawlong, Extra Assistant Commissioner, D. Kharshiing, Food and Safety Inspector, V. Pyngrope and the team of the enforcement squad led the inspection at Nongpoh.

Many tobacco shops which were established at Nongpoh Town were inspected and the awareness was imparted to the vendors as per the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act, 2003, which prohibits to smoke in public places and selling of cigarette to minor individuals.

Speaking to the media persons, the District Nodal Officer of Tobacco Control Programme, V. Mawlong said, “Such surprise inspection will be conducted in the coming days and all the tobacco shops within the District should follow strictly as per the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act and anyone found violating the act will be punished accordingly as per the relevant section of the Act.”

She further added that to ensure effective implementation of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, the competent authority under Tobacco Control programme will continue to inspect all the tobacco shops in the District.