Srinagar, Aug 29: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Abdul Majid Mir today asked the District Level Monitoring and Steering Committees constituted by the State government to create awareness amongst the people about the hazards of smoking and enforcement of various provisions of Section 4 & 6 of Tobacco Control Act.
 Addressing a sensitization programme for officers of Social Welfare Department and NGOs about Section 4 & 6 of Tobacco Control Act 2003 organised by the J&K Voluntary Health Association, Abdul Majid Mir emphasized upon the officers of SWD to ensure that their offices and subordinate offices are made smoke free. Divisional Commissioner highlighted the serious health hazards and burden of tobacco usage to the officers and the NGOs who attended the programme.
 He emphasized that sale of cigarettes to persons below the age of 18-years shall not be allowed and sale of tobacco within 100 yards of any educational institutions shall not be allowed. Divisional Commissioner appreciated the role of J&K VHA for having launched a vigorous public awareness campaign against cigarette and tobacco smoking in educational institutions and government offices. He urged that similar programme should also be held in villages, towns and districts
 Director, Social Welfare Kashmir, Hilal Ahmed, said the officers of Social Welfare Department were providing various social welfare services to the people, especially women and children and other members of the committee at the grass root level and there should be no difficulty for them to advise them regarding the ill effects of cigarette smoking and other tobacco products. He emphasized to his subordinate officers to ensure strict enforcement of Tobacco Control Act in their jurisdictions. Director Local Bodies Kashmir Muhammad Afzal also emphasized on the need to create awareness amongst Government Officers as well as the public in general regarding the provisions of the Tobacco Control Act.
 Executive Director J&K VHA, A.M. Mir (IAS Retd) highlighted the importance of sensitization of officers of the State government and said these officers could convey the messages to the people and beneficiaries of the social welfare schemes about the ill effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Earlier a sensitization programme was also organized in Lal Mandi complex for the District Officers of Srinagar. Shabir Ahmad, Inspector Drug & Food Control Organisation & Dr. Abdul Majeed, Associate Professor SKIMS made power point presentations and highlighted the hazards of tobacco and the legal aspects.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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