Social organisations launch drive against tobacco products, drugs

Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 26

Office-bearers and activists of social, educational and medical organisations of the town and surrounding areas have announced to launch a coordinated movement to spread awareness on causes and consequences of smoking, chewing tobacco and addiction to drugs.

The decision was taken in response to an appeal by Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Harkirat Kaur Chaney during a meeting of social activists held at grain market here today.

Appreciating the initiative taken by social activists led by the social welfare organisation patron, Tarsem Garg, and former municipal council president, Ravinder Puri, SDM Harkirat Kaur Chaney assured that officials of the civil administration, Health and the Police Departments would extend

full support in identification of target areas, beneficiaries and anti-social elements, who would attempt to disrupt progress of the movement.

Illustrating various sections and implication of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Child Protection) Act, Food Safety and Standards Act and the Tobacco Control Act, Chaney said strict action would be taken against violators of various provisions of the law. |

Elaborating on the subject, the project convener, Pawan Garg, said special teams had been constituted to organise seminars and workshops at various educational institutes and labour colonies. Handbills, pamphlets and literature on adverse effects of smoking, tobacco chewing and other drugs would be made accessible to target groups, he added.

The Rotary Club president and secretary, Dr Sunit Hind, and, Dr Ravinder Sharma, respectively, the Lions

Club president, Inder Pal Singh Walia, and the Shree Ram Mandir Committee chairman, Bimal Sharma, besides municipal councillors were among those, who declared support of their respective organisations, for the drive.