Panaji: April 10, 2016 …. The District Collector (South), Shri Sachin Shinde asserting the need to arrest rampant illegality in the trade of tobacco urged the concerned enforcement authorities to take the task very seriously by conducting regular drives in their respective areas.
Dr Sachin Shinde, IAS made this observation while chairing the District Level Coordination Committee on Tobacco Control meeting to access the preparedness on “world no tobacco day” scheduled on May 31 at Matanhy Saldhana Administration Complex, Margao, recently.
Dr Shinde urged the Tourism Department to issue strict instructions to Shack owners on the sale of illicit tobacco products. He said there is need for Police Department and Enforcement Squads to conduct drives on the sale of illicit Tobacco goods and to book violations, if any.
Mr Shinde also urged the Mamlatdars and other Members of the South District Committee to submit the plan of action/inputs for “World No Tobacco day” based on budgetary requirement at the earliest. The Collector proposed to carry out awareness campaign by conducting rallies, competitions, talk, street play, etc.
The Tourism Department has planned to organize sand sculpture competition for two age groups, i.e 15 to 20 years and for people above 21 years at Colva. The competition would be held at Colva being an ideal place. The tentative date being fixed is May 29, 2016.
Dr. Shinde also sought the involvement of the NSS coordinators of Higher Secondary School to galvanise the tobacco control awareness through various activities such as camps, awareness drive and others.
The Convenor, GOACAN also informed that they too intend to hold flash mobs/dances by college students on May 31st at Vasco and Margao railway station to create awareness on the subject.
