Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 September 2024
In a concerted effort to protect the health and safety of students, revenue officials from North & Middle Andaman District conducted inspections of shops within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions, including schools, Anganwadi centres, and a college in Mayabunder Tehsil. The inspections are part of the district’s ongoing enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products near these institutions.
The officials took the opportunity to personally remind shopkeepers of the strict provisions under Sections 4 and 6 of the COTPA, 2003. These sections specifically ban the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18 and within the 100-yard radius of educational institutions. The shopkeepers were informed that any violations of these laws would be treated as a punishable offence.
During the inspections, revenue staff emphasised key points to the shopkeepers, particularly regarding the “Prohibition on Sale of Cigarettes and Tobacco Products.” They were warned that selling tobacco within the restricted zone could result in severe penalties, including fines and legal action. The enforcement of these rules, officials explained, is essential to ensure the well-being of students.
“The health of our children is paramount, and the law is in place to protect them from the harmful effects of tobacco exposure,” a revenue official said. “We urge all shopkeepers to adhere to the regulations and avoid the sale of any tobacco products in these restricted zones.”
The Revenue Department assured that this was part of an ongoing effort to create a healthier environment for students. Further inspections are planned, and strict action will be taken against any shopkeeper found violating the law. The department also encouraged the public to report any breaches of COTPA regulations to local authorities, reinforcing the need for collective action in safeguarding the community’s youth.
This initiative serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to enforcing public health laws, particularly in spaces frequented by children and teenagers.