A significant crackdown on the illegal sale of tobacco products near private schools was carried out in the Kadma area under the directives of District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Ananya Mittal. The raid campaign, led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Dhalbhum, Shatabdi Majumdar, aimed to enforce the prohibition on selling tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of schools, as mandated by the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The inspection team included Executive Magistrate Chandrajit Singh and Food Safety Officer Manjar Hussain, who investigated several shops in the vicinity of Jusco School and DBMS School. During the operation, seven shops were found in violation of the law by selling tobacco products such as cigarettes, pan masala, and other related items. A total fine of ₹1,400 was imposed on the violators, and the seized tobacco products were confiscated for destruction.
The campaign commenced early in the day, with the inspection team visiting shops and kiosks located near the school premises. Each shop was thoroughly searched for tobacco products, particularly focusing on establishments that sold a mix of food items alongside tobacco products. Upon finding violations, the authorities took immediate action by imposing fines and issuing warnings to the shopkeepers.
The SDO emphasized that selling tobacco products within the vicinity of schools poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of students. She also reminded shopkeepers that the absence of statutory warnings on tobacco products is an additional offense under COTPA. The confiscated goods were duly cataloged, and a seizure list was prepared for further legal proceedings. The seized items will be destroyed to prevent their circulation back into the market.
While the shopkeepers were fined and released with warnings, strict instructions were given regarding future compliance. The SDO stated that repeat offenders would face harsher penalties, including legal proceedings. “Selling tobacco products around schools is strictly prohibited to protect children from exposure to harmful substances. Violators will not be spared, and such inspections will continue to ensure compliance,” said Majumdar.
The inspection team also interacted with local residents and school authorities to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of adhering to tobacco control laws. Community members were encouraged to report any violations to the authorities, ensuring a collective effort to curb such activities.
“ This raid is part of a larger initiative by the district administration to enforce tobacco control measures in public spaces, particularly around educational institutions. The authorities have been conducting regular checks to ensure that shopkeepers comply with the law and that the availability of harmful substances near schools is minimized,” said a social worker.
