Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar today directed all district police heads to restrict tobacco advertisements at the point of sales (POS) across the state.
In an order issued here, the DGP directed all district police chiefs to implement the rules related to section 5 of COTPA (restriction of tobacco advertisements at point of sale), a police spokesman said.
The DGP has asked all district heads to collate the violations for strengthening institutionalization of the mechanism and to forward the details on monthly basis to the Superintendents of Police of the districts.
“It is once again enjoined upon all the Unit Heads of Police Organization to ensure strict implementation of the circular and make further coordinated efforts to discourage the consumption of tobacco and its products by way of taking due cognizance of the violations of the said Act and also through other means involving social organizations and educational institutions besides, creating general awareness among the masses over the evil effects of its consumption so that this menace be eradicated from the society and the State be made tobacco free,” the DGP said in the order.
“It has also been emphasized that violation of COTPA 2003 should be incorporated as one of the agenda items in the monthly crime review meetings at the district level,” he added.
The move initiated by the police is aimed at strengthening the public health measure at the district and sub-district level.
As per the COTPA act 2003, the size of the board used for the advertisement of cigarettes and any other tobacco products displayed at the entrance of a warehouse or a shop where cigarettes or any other tobacco product is offered for sale shall not exceed 60 cm by 45 cm.
In addition the hoarding or display shall depict a warning occupying the top edge of the board in a prominent manner.
The Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), an anti-tobacco advocacy, has welcomed the order of the police chief.
“Today's order issued by the police is surely a people friendly measure that is highly appreciated by J&K Voluntary Health Association, VHAI and members of civil society in the state,” VHAI said in a statement.
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