Comprehensive COTPA Enforcement Drive Conducted Around Government Higher Secondary School Qaimoh Under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
📍 Qaimoh | 🗓️ July 31
Officials conduct COTPA enforcement drive near Government Higher Secondary School, Qaimoh.
In a concerted effort to strengthen the enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA) and to ensure a tobacco-free environment around educational institutions, a comprehensive search-cum-checking drive was conducted in Qaimoh on the sidelines of the NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) Review Meeting.
The drive was spearheaded by Mr. Nisar Ahmad Wani (JKAS), Tehsildar Qaimoh, in the presence of Mr. Mehboob Banday, Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Qaimoh, Dr. Gowhar Ali, Block Medical Officer (BMO), Qaimoh, Dr. Sajad Ahmad Mir, Principal, Government Higher Secondary School Qaimoh, and Mr. Showkat Hussain Zarger, NCORD Nodal Officer, along with officers and officials from various stakeholder departments.
Inspection teams check shops within the 100-yard prohibited radius of the school.
Extensive Search of Shops Within Prohibited Zone
As part of the enforcement campaign, inspection teams carried out an extensive search and verification of shops and commercial establishments located within the 100-yard prohibited radius of the Government Higher Secondary School, Qaimoh, to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the COTPA Act, which prohibit the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products and allied items in the vicinity of educational institutions.
The inspection teams thoroughly scrutinized the establishments for the sale, storage, display and promotion of tobacco products. During the drive, several violations of the provisions of the COTPA Act were detected. Advertisement hoardings, banners and promotional displays related to tobacco products were removed and destroyed on the spot to discourage indirect promotion of tobacco use, particularly among school-going children and adolescents.
"Educational institutions must remain safe and tobacco-free spaces where students can pursue their education without exposure to harmful substances or their promotion."
Tobacco advertisement banners and hoardings removed and destroyed on the spot.
Challans Issued, Zero-Tolerance Approach Reaffirmed
Further, challans were issued against violators found contravening the provisions of the Act, underscoring the administration's zero-tolerance approach towards violations of tobacco control laws.
The officers also interacted with shopkeepers and members of the public, sensitizing them about the adverse health consequences of tobacco consumption and the legal provisions governing the sale and advertisement of tobacco products. They urged all vendors to strictly comply with the provisions of the COTPA Act and refrain from selling or displaying tobacco products in the vicinity of educational institutions.
Officials sensitize shopkeepers and the public on tobacco control laws and health hazards.
Speaking on the occasion, the officers reiterated that educational institutions must remain safe and tobacco-free spaces where students can pursue their education without exposure to harmful substances or their promotion. They emphasized that sustained enforcement, coupled with public awareness, remains essential for protecting the younger generation from tobacco addiction.
Part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
The drive forms part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the Government of India's flagship campaign aimed at creating a drug-free and addiction-free society through coordinated enforcement, preventive measures and community participation. The district administration reaffirmed its commitment to conducting similar enforcement drives on a regular basis to ensure effective implementation of the COTPA Act and to foster a healthier and safer environment for students and the community at large.
