JAMMU: A Divisional Level Sensitization Workshop of Officers of School Education Department of Jammu Division was today held under the chairmanship of Deputy Director Health Services, Dr. Rajeev Sharma here in the Conference Hall of Government Hospital Gandhinagar under National Tobacco Control Programme.
Joint Director School Education Department, H. R. Pakhroo was also present on the occasion.
As many as 30 participants attended the workshop organized by State Tobacco Control Cell, Directorate of Health Services Jammu to sensitize the participants about Tobacco Free Educational Institutions initiative of the Government of India and discuss the way forward to achieve the aim of Tobacco Free educational institutions.
In his address, the Deputy Director spoke about the negative impact of Tobacco on human health, economy as well as the environment. He informed the gathering about the report of the Global Youth Survey 2019 which states that the age of initiation of Tobacco use in India has now gone down to 9.9 years. He stressed on the urgent need for the effective implementation of tobacco control laws, especially TOFEI initiative to protect the youth from initiation of this menace.
A presentation on Epidemiology and burden of Tobacco use, Tobacco Control Laws, Hookah Bars and the TOFEI programme was given by the Divisional Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme, Dr. Mridula Singh.
Later, an interactive session was conducted to discuss the issues and the solutions for the effective implementation of the TOFEI initiative. Divisional Coordinator NTCP, Shweta Raina presented vote of thanks.
It is pertinent to mention that Smoking is prohibited in all Public places, as well as sale of Tobacco Products to and by Minors is also not permitted and will attract a penalty which can include imprisonment. Also, it is against the law to sell any Tobacco products within 100 yards of any Educational Institutions.
Similarly, there is prohibition on advertisement, brand promotion and sponsorship of Tobacco products, both directly and indirectly. Further, displaying Pictorial Health Warnings is mandatory by law, on all Tobacco Products.