Call to implement COTPA Act, 2003

A Correspondent

DHUBRI, April 22: Refresher training of police officials of Dhubri district on Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003, in short known as COTPA, was held under the auspices of Assam Police in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation and TATA Trust  at Dhubri Police Reserve Community Hall on Saturday.

 Negative implication of tobacco consumption on general health, mind and body was elaborately explained by Dr. Debashish Mukherjee. Dr. Mukherjee explained in details as to how one got addicted to smoking, consumption of various tobaccos and drugs and gradually reached the point of no return. Dhubri Superintendent of Police, Longnit Terang also spoke at length on the Act and appealed to the police officials to enforce the Act as smoking and consumption of other tobacco products affected health.

 Addressing the police officials, retired DIG Pratul Chandra Phukan laid emphasis on enforcing the COTPA Act, 2003 and its implementation in letter and spirit stage-by-stage with facts and figures backed by power-point and audio-visual presentation.

 “In view of the serious impact on health, particularly that of the young generation, due to smoking and consumption of various kinds of tobacco, the Government of India had enacted the law in 2003. But the Act remained in paper as not much was done to get it implemented effectively so far. But police have their network and strength to enforce the Act with motivation and commitment,” Phukan said.