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Personnel of the Dimapur anti-tobacco unit and students search a shop for tobacco products in Dimapur.[/caption]
Dimapur, May 24 (EMN): A number of shops in Dimapur have been penalized by district authorities for selling tobacco products.
The District Anti-Tobacco Squad and student leaders inspected business establishments and shops along Diphupar and Chumukedima, in Dimapur on May 23.
20 shops were penalized for selling tobacco products near schools, updates from the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) stated on Tuesday.
In this connection, Dr C Tetseo, the District Nodal Officer of the NTCP has reminded that selling tobacco products within hundred metres from educational institutions is an offence under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act.
Repeated violation of said provision can be charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. He warned tobacco sellers to be aware of the following consequences: From now on selling tobacco products to minors can attract a fine of Rs. one lakh, or an imprisonment of one year under the Juvenile justice and Protection Acts of 2015.
The official added that according to the Supreme Court’s judgement of September 23, selling twin pack ‘pan masala’ and flavoured chewable tobacco in small pouches have been banned. Action will be initiated against traders who sell the products, it was informed.
