Namchi, July 29 (IPR) – Ms. Anupa Tamling, the District Collector of Namchi, chaired an important meeting on the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) today. The meeting, held in the chamber of the District Collector, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for reducing tobacco use in the region.
The attendees included Mr. Passing Tshering Lepcha, ASP Namchi; Dr. S.N. Adhikari, CMO Namchi; Dr. Urgen Sherpa, Principal Chief Consultant; Mr. Suraj Rai, CEO of Education; Mr. G.P. Sharma, Joint Director of Education Namchi; Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director of Agriculture; Mr. Deshpath Lama, MEO Namchi; Mr. Sanjeev Mukhia, a representative from CTI Finance; and Mr. Passang Tshering Bhutia, General Secretary of District NGO (Disstri) Namchi.
Namchi District: A Unified Effort to Combat Tobacco Use
Ms. Tamling highlighted the growing risks associated with tobacco consumption, particularly among young people. She stressed the importance of making schools and their surrounding areas tobacco-free zones. She urged all departments to work together to spread awareness and strictly enforce the rules and regulations outlined in the Tobacco Act.
To ensure compliance, Ms. Tamling directed committee members to monitor shops, markets, public areas, restaurants, and educational and religious premises. She emphasized the need for thorough inspections, including checking licenses to ensure that only permitted goods are sold. Strict action will be taken against any violations.
Namchi District: Initiatives for a Tobacco-Free Society
Dr. S.N. Adhikari suggested the formation of Tobacco Control Committees in schools as part of existing school clubs. He proposed starting with higher secondary and senior secondary schools, including private institutions, and rewarding schools for their efforts in maintaining a tobacco-free environment.
Dr. Urgen Sherpa provided a detailed overview of the Tobacco Act, focusing on Section 4, which prohibits the advertisement and regulation of tobacco trade and commerce. He stressed the importance of banning smoking in public spaces to protect non-smokers, especially children. He recommended installing anti-tobacco boards at the entrances of all institutions.
Mr. Suraj Rai reported that monthly inspections of school canteens and nearby shops are conducted to ensure compliance with the ban on tobacco sales. He requested permission to install flex boards to further educate students about the dangers of tobacco use.
Mr. Deshpath Lama shared the success of the tobacco-free program in Namchi and suggested monthly checks on hotels and restaurants. He also recommended creating designated smoking areas in hotels.
Future Plans and Community Involvement
Mr. Sanjeev Mukhia discussed the introduction of a new online portal for surveys, data analysis, and tobacco-related statistics. He proposed imposing additional fines on shops selling tobacco products when renewing their licenses.
Mr. Passang Tshering Bhutia expressed concerns about tobacco use in rural areas, particularly among the elderly. He called for fines for violations of the Tobacco Act and highlighted various awareness programs conducted by their NGO.
This meeting marked the first NTCP gathering since the pandemic, and Ms. Tamling proposed holding regular meetings every two to three months to ensure continuous follow-up and implementation of the program.
Namchi’s leaders are united in their commitment to creating a healthier, tobacco-free future for their community. Their collaborative efforts aim to protect the well-being of all residents, especially the younger generation, and to promote a culture of health and awareness.
Table of Contents
Also Read: Empowering Women: Awareness Programme in Gangtok Highlights Legal Rights and Welfare Schemes
