Haryana forms panel to implement tobacco control programme

The Haryana government today said it has constituted a state-level coordination committee for implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in the state, a government spokesperson said.
Headed by Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, Health Department, civil society organisations working on health or tobacco control would also serve as members of the committee.
The spokesperson of the health department said other members of the panel include Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Departments of Home, School Education, Higher Education, Finance, Rural Development, Information and Public Relations, Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare, Development and Panchayats and others.
He said the Mission Director of National Health Mission would serve as member secretary, whereas Medical Officer NTCP would act as the nodal officer.

Referring to the roles of different departments and agencies, the spokesperson said the health secretary would act as the nodal secretary for convening meetings and would also be responsible for the programme to control tobacco usage.
The home department would direct the state police to enforce all provisions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA).

It would regularly review COTPA implementation in the monthly crime review meetings and regular collection of violation of COTPA related data, the spokesperson said.
The education department would ensure implementation of tobacco-free school guidelines in all schools, make all school premises tobacco-free, inclusion of harmful effects of tobacco use in the school curriculum as well as ensure monitoring and supervision of school health component of NTCP.

The finance department would ensure administration and harmonisation of tax on all tobacco products and reduction in illicit trade and tax evasion by tobacco industry in the state.
The rural development department would ensure alternative livelihood programme for the bidi makers and others, the spokesperson said.