KUPWARA: The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meeting was today held at DC Office Chamber, Kupwara under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse to review the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA-2003) in the district.
During the meeting, The DC emphasized strict enforcement of tobacco control measures, particularly in public places and educational institutions, and directed all stakeholder departments to ensure visible compliance of COTPA-2003 provisions across the district.
The DC stressed on effective implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines and directed the Education Department to ensure installation of signages, appointment of tobacco monitors, and conduct of awareness programmes in all schools and colleges.
The DC also directed for intensified enforcement drives in markets and public places to ensure compliance with COTPA-2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA).
He further called for extensive awareness campaigns, including wall paintings, posters, and competitions in schools to highlight the ill effects of tobacco use.
On Tobacco-Free Villages, the DC instructed the concerned officers to conduct special Gram Sabha meetings to sensitize Panchayat members, NGOs, SHGs, youth and farmers, besides organizing Nukkad Nataks, wall writings, and declaration programmes to promote and sustain the “Tobacco-Free Village” initiative.
During the meeting it was informed that a student rally under the NTCP will be organized on October 28, 2025, from DC Office Complex Kupwara, which will proceed via Bypass Road to Sub-District Hospital Kupwara with participation of students and ASHA workers.
The meeting was attended by SDM Lolab, CMO Kupwara, ASP Kupwara, DySP Handwara, BMO’s DEPO,CEO MC and other concerned Officers.