DIBRUGARH: An official order prohibiting the open sale and promotion of gutka and other tobacco products close to hospitals, schools, places of worship, and the DTP Dyke has been issued by the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC).
This measure is under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and is intended to protect public health and preserve the integrity of sensitive areas.
Healthcare facilities, schools, colleges, temples, mosques, churches, and the recreation area of DTP Dyke are all within a 100-meter radius of the ban.
Additionally, the DMC region prohibits the use of billboards, posters, banners, and digital displays for the promotion of gutka and tobacco goods. Advertising sellers will face severe penalties if they don't take down their current displays within the allotted seven days.
The DMC Enforcement Team will carry out routine inspections and surprise checks in coordination with its License Branch to ensure compliance.
Repeat offenders risk having their trade licenses suspended or revoked, having their items confiscated, and paying a fine of Rs. 10,000.
The DMC has underlined that this step is necessary to maintain the environment in Dibrugarh, safeguard public health, and respect the decorum of places of worship and education.
Recently, the historic DHS Kanoi College was officially declared a tobacco-free educational institution by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The recognition, effective from December 20, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the 80-year history of the college.
The designation was granted under U-DIICE No. 18150408509 for the college’s full compliance with the guidelines required for tobacco-free educational institutions. The certification underscored the institution’s commitment to fostering a healthy and smoke-free learning environment.
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