DC Phek speaking at the program, 2. The 15 schools awardees along with the dignitaries.
Phek, May 31 (MExN): Phek District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) in coordination with the Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) have observed World No Tobacco Da’ under the theme ‘Unmasking the appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products” on May 31. The program was observed at Dr Wethselo Memorial Hall, DH Phek with Rhosietho Nguori NCS Deputy Commissioner, Phek as the guest speaker.
Speaking on the theme, Dr Pfukrolo Koza District Nodal Officer, NTCP Phek have shared that tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of illness and death in the world. This year theme aims to reveal how industries target youth through flavoured products, deceptive marketing and addictive product designs to create lifelong users. He informed that tobacco kills half of the customers and its strategy is to recruit youths & children to be a customer. Nagaland has the highest consumption of pan masala with tobacco in India. Tobacco use is a significant health concern in Nagaland contributing to a high incidence of cancer cases.
Vethothi Vero Retainer Lawyer, Phek DLSA spoke on the topic ‘The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act or COTPA Act 2003. He highlight the key provisions of COTPA namely prohibition of advertisement prohibition of smoking particularly on public places like hotels, educational institutions etc. further he said that selling of tobacco to a child is prohibited and is a punishable offence, engaging a child to handle or sale tobacco is also prohibited, selling of tobacco within 100 yards of an education institutions is prohibited. He also highlighted the panel provisions of defaulters under COTPA 2003 and section 77 of JJA 2015.
Rhosietho Nguori NCS DC, Phek in his speech have reiterated that only through collective efforts of the Civil societies, NGOs, students bodies etc can achieve our goal. Therefore, he urged the participants which is attended by ward Chairman’s, NGOs, Teachers, churches and civil bodies to keep on striving to achieve the goal even though it may challenging.
During the program certificate were awarded to 15 schools which have been declared as a Tobacco Free Education Institution handed by Mezivolu T Therieh NJS, District and Sessions Judge Cum Chairperson Phek District legal Service Authority.
In observation of World Tobacco Day the DTCC in collaboration with PDLSA have also organised a walkathon from Local Ground to Clock Tower which was flagged off by Dr Pritpal Kaur IPS, SP Phek, total of 9 schools, Phek Town mother Association and Town Council have attended the walkathon. A short program was organised where Mezivolu T Theriah NJS, District and Session Judge have spoken on the significance of Observation of World No Tobacco Day. She highlighted that this year theme focuses on revealing the manipulative strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their products attractive especially to young people while downplaying the severe health risks associated with them.
