Officials directed to cancel licenses of traders repeatedly violating COTPA guidelines in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar

Deputy Commissioner of Chamarajanagar Shilpa Nag has instructed the officials to cancel the licenses of traders, who repeatedly violate the provisions of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

Presiding over the Chamarajanagar district Coordination Committee meeting as part of the National Tobacco Control Programme at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday, Ms. Nag said that the trade licenses of tobacco sellers found to be repeatedly violating the COTPA laws during inspections should be cancelled without any leniency.

She asked officials tasked with the implementation of the National Tobacco Control programme to intensify enforcement activities, particularly in urban areas.

With COTPA provisions prohibiting sale of beedis, cigarettes, and other tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions, Ms. Nag said such areas should be declared as tobacco-free zones. “100% compliance should be ensured across the district,” she said, before directing the officials to impose the highest possible penalty in cases where violations occur near educational institutions.

In areas with a high density of tobacco addicts, Ms. Nag suggested that awareness programmes be organised, focussing on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption on the health of an individual and their families. She sought progress reports on the special programmes in the regard during the next meeting.

Tobacco-free villages

With the district setting a target of declaring 68 villages as tobacco-free ones, Ms. Nag emphasised the need to strictly implement the guidelines and standards with the cooperation of all departments involved.

She said that appropriate directions should be given to the panchayat development officers in coordination with the Health Department.

Meanwhile, Chamarajanagar district Legal Services Authority Member Secretary and senior civil judge Eshwara, who also spoke at the meeting, said tobacco use and smoking is prohibited in public places, and only designated and approved zones should be used for such purposes.

He also favoured extensive discussions in meetings regarding enforcement of laws related to tobacco control and substance abuse.

A host of officials, including Chamarajanagar district Health and Family Welfare Officer S. Chidambara, Chamarajanagar District Surveillance Officer Sundaresh, and others were present at the meeting.