Despite orders from the administration, there is widespread use of tobacco in various public places in the city. Be its hotels, bus stand, railway stations, private and Government hospitals and even educational institutions the menace of smoking in public is still rampant. Concerned over the situation, East Singhbhum district administration have joined hands with traders the to help curb the sale and consumption of tobacco products.
The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), one of the oldest trade bodies of Kolhan, have decided to spread greater awareness against consumption of tobacco products. As part of the drive, hoardings and posters will be put up in different parts of the city. Dhalbhum SDO Prem Ranjan said that district administration wants to effectively implement the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA), 2003.
“The traders have decided to support and partner with us in our endeavour. As per their plans, posters and banners will be put up to educate people against use of tobacco products as it would have harmful effects on their health. I think this will help in spreading greater awareness in the public,” said Prem Ranjan. In the first phase, some hoardings have come up in Bistupur, Jugsalai, Telco, Golmuri, Kadma and Baghbera.
“We are voluntarily taking the initiative for a greater cause. We want to set up more such banners across the city,” said a functionary of SCCI. Meanwhile, district administration has also lined up for harsher penalties after few days of educating the masses against ills of consumption of tobacco products. Schools and colleges, hospitals, restaurants, cinemas and administrative offices are on the list of public places and posters would also be placed near such public places.
On the other hand, openly defying the law, the tobacco shops are doing brisk business within 100 yards of educational and medical institution. School and college students are often found smoking in the nearby shops. “Everyone wants to make profit with their business and we get the maximum number of customers at this place. When the State administration is not concerned about the issue why should weIJ” said Madan, a shop owner next to loyola School.
Meanwhile, Rahul Kumar a student said: “Being a college student, I know why students consume these things. Even if a person does not want to have pan-masala, his friend forces him to have it. They are not aware that a packet of Rs2 or 3 will make them pay dearly one day”.