In a bid to build a conducive environment for reduction of tobacco consumption and to improve the public health situation, the People's Cultural Centre (PECUC) in cooperation with the Coalition for Tobacco Free Odisha, organised a public consultation programme at Nalabanta, Aska.
The objective was to create awareness among people regarding the negative effects of tobacco and reduce its use by strengthening the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) for the improvement of public health.
MP Pramila Bishoyi, ADPHO Dr Harmohan Panda, NAC Chairman, Aska, Vineeta Swain, secretary, PECUC, Ranjan Kumar Mohanty and executive director, PECUC, Anuradha Mohanty graced the programme. Nalabanta Sarapanch Kishor Chandra Pradhan, Zilla Parishad Member B Manoj Kumar Dora and Panchayat Samiti Member Kiran Kumar Bhuiyan also supported the event. As many as 500 Women Self Help Group (SHG) members participated in the event and took oath against tobacco consumption.
In an urge to focus on laws for tobacco, Hon’ble MP, Loka Sabha, Pramila Bisoyi, said, “We women need to control the consumption of tobacco in our families, so I am requesting you all to take steps in this regard,” adding, “ I will do my best to strengthen the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)."