Press Releases

Speaking during the programme, Dental Surgeon cum District Nodal Officer (DNO), NTCP/NOHP, Dr. N. R Dhar highlighted the alarming health risks associated with tobacco consumption and stressed the importance of prevention, protection and cessation strategies. He further stated that more than 10 million new cancer cases are reported globally every year with nearly 6 million deaths linked to cancer and tobacco use. Dr. Dhar also explained that tobacco products contain harmful chemicals such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, methanol and naphthalene, while secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks to non-smokers

In her address, Panel Lawyer, DLSA, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. P. Rymbai spoke on the provisions of the COTPA Act, 2003 and informed that smoking or consuming tobacco products in public places is an offence punishable with fines and legal action. She also highlighted that shopkeepers are prohibited from selling tobacco products to minors and students. Referring to Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, she stated that involving children in the sale of tobacco products can attract imprisonment of up to seven years along with a fine of ₹1 lakh