Act strict to curb tobacco use by children: NGO
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 21
To curb the usage of tobacco among children and younger generation, the Consumer Voice, an NGO, has urged the government to strictly implement tobacco control law and adopt vendor licensing in Haryana.
Ashim Sanyal, Chief Operating Officer, Consumer Voice, said our study found 885 points of tobacco sale within 100 yards of educational institutions that violate COTPA law. In Haryana, 98.28 per cent points of sale displayed cigarettes alongside candies and sweets to attract children, he said. Vendors sell cigarettes and bidis via single sticks, making these products cheap and accessible to children and youth. Selling of such products near educational institutes attracts the younger generation to get addicted, he said. Licensing system could help curtail tobacco consumption in the state, he added.
