DODA: In order to review the detailed parameters suitable to curb the menace of tobacco use, particularly focusing on tobacco-free educational institutions, a District Level Coordinator Committee (DLCC) meeting was held today at the conference hall of the DC office complex Doda.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, who also serves as the Chairman of the District Health Society Doda. Stakeholders from various sectors, including medical health insurance, participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, several key points were discussed, such as the installation of warning boards in tobacco sales areas. The Deputy Commissioner directed the formation of a flying squad to monitor tobacco sales in restricted zones, emphasizing that no tobacco products should be sold near schools. He also instructed the CEO Doda to review and ensure the implementation of tobacco-free schools. Additionally, the formation of village-level coordination committees was proposed to work towards making villages tobacco-free.

The meeting saw attendance from prominent officials including ADC Doda Sudershan Kumar, ACR Doda Sunil Bhutyal, ACD Doda Manoj Kumar, CPO Doda Manesh Kumar, ARTO Doda Rajesh Gupta, CEO Doda PL Thapa, CMO Doda Om Prakash, police officers, principals of various government colleges, the medical superintendent of AH GMC Doda, BMOs, and others.

The discussion also covered the need for "No Smoking" stickers on public transport and SRTC buses, the declaration of all government premises as tobacco-free zones, and the use of the ToFEI app to declare educational institutions as tobacco-free. The Deputy Commissioner urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards making Doda a "Nasha Mukt" (drug-free) district.

Further, the Deputy Commissioner directed the ARTO Doda to ensure that all buses and matadors display warning posters and stickers about the dangers of tobacco use.

He also stressed the importance of maximizing tuberculosis testing as part of the administration's goal to make the district TB-free. Educational institutions will receive warning notices to prevent student and minor indulgence in tobacco use.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for all participants to unite in efforts to achieve a tobacco-free and drug-free Doda.