KOHIMA, AUGUST 24: With the declaration of Kohima as ‘Smoke Free City’ by the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, during a campaign for smoke free Kohima city on April 28 last, Department of Health and family Welfare, in collaboration with district administration, has been conducting series of workshops and awareness programme on the COTPA Act 2003.
The five days training programme on ‘Harmful effects of tobacco and COTPA Act 2003,’ organised for all the shopkeepers selling tobacco products in Kohima district kicked off today in the conference hall of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC).
Highlighting in brief on the ill effects of tobacco on health, economy and environment, ADC Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi, emphasised on the need for all the shopkeepers to be aware of COTPA Act 2003.
The shopkeepers were also asked to strictly adhere by Section-VI of the Act against sale of tobacco products to minors and in places within 100 metres radius from the outer boundary of educational institutions.
District Nodal Officer, NTCP Kohima, Dr. Anenla Walling, through a power point presentation, explained in detailed on the harmful effects of tobacco products, which was well responded by the shopkeepers present.
Also highlighting on the provisions under COTPA Act 2003, Dr. Walling informed that a fine up to Rs 200 could be imposed for smoking in public place, selling tobacco products to minors or selling tobacco products within a radius of 100 metres from any educational institution.
She also informed that a person who advertises tobacco products, on first conviction, should be punished with up to 2 years imprisonment or with fine which could extend to Rs 1000 and in case of subsequent conviction upto 5 years imprisonment or with fine which could extend to Rs 5000.
The participants were also informed on the need to display appropriate signage like ‘Sale of tobacco products to a persons under the age of 18 years is a punishable offence’ at a conspicuous place in an applicable Indian language.
KMC administrator, Kovi Meyase, while acknowledging the source of earning for their livelihood, reminded the shopkeepers to keep in mind the rules and laws and abides by the same. Meyase assured support and cooperation towards implementation of COPTA Act 2003. He also informed that KMC would take the responsibility to provide signages to be displayed in the shops at a nominal rate. He also gave away certificates to the participants.
It may be noted that today’s training was held for shopkeepers of Peraciezie, Themezie, Sepfuzou, Rokabozou, High School, Bayavu (Upper, Middle and Lower), Lower Kenuozou, Vety/Pezielietsie and Keziekie.
