District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Leh discussed the agendas on tobacco control in the district during a meeting on November 23.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Leh, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse.

The formation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) enforcement squads at district HQ and blocks was proposed in the meeting. Displaying COTPA 2003 on the district official website and action against the supply and distribution of illegal tobacco products were discussed along with the plan of COTPA to be included in the monthly crime review of the Police Department.

The Health Department authorities suggested the 'Continuation of Yellow Line' campaign and implementing tobacco-free educational institutions guidelines.

Member of DTCC also discussed action against COTPA violations, including imposing a fine of ₹ 500 under Section 4 for smoking in public, whereas for the owner, manager, or authorized officers, the fine placed will be equivalent to the number of offences in public places; a fine for advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products that includes 1st Offence: 2 years/ ₹. 1000/ b) 2nd Offence: 5 years/ ₹ 5000 under Section 5.

Similarly, the other penalties include a fine up to ₹ 200 under Section 6 for the sale of tobacco to minors and around educational institutes; violation of the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products without specified health warnings under Section 7, 8, and 9. The fine includes Manufacture: 1st Offence: 2 years/ ₹ 5000; 2nd Offence: 5 years ₹ 10,000/ b) Selling/ Retailing: 1st Offence: 1 years/ ₹ 1000/ 2nd Offence: 2years/ ₹. 3000/.