Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal has emphasized the need to accelerate the ongoing efforts to make Una a tobaccofree district

Una, November 18: Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal has emphasized the need to accelerate the ongoing efforts to make Una district tobacco-free. While chairing the progress review meeting of the "Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0" on Tuesday, he directed all departments to make coordinated and committed efforts.
The meeting reviewed the awareness activities conducted so far under the 60-day campaign, which began on October 9th, and determined the future strategy. The Deputy Commissioner commended the Health Department and Panchayati Raj Department for their excellent performance in implementing the campaign and the state-level awards they received.
He stated that the district administration is promoting this campaign as a comprehensive public awareness campaign to encourage youth to live healthy lives, avoiding the ill effects of tobacco. He stated that tobacco consumption is a major cause of premature death and serious illnesses, and it often begins at a young age. Therefore, raising awareness among youth is the primary objective of the campaign.

Emphasis on Tobacco-Free Villages
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Panchayats to intensify efforts to create "tobacco-free villages." He stated that concrete and timely action should be taken to declare 30 villages in the district completely tobacco-free.

Licenses Mandatory for Selling Tobacco Products
He directed the Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, and Rural Development Departments to ensure strict compliance with the "Tobacco Vendor Licensing Rules-2018." He clarified that all vendors selling tobacco products must have a valid vendor license. This license will be issued by the Panchayat Secretary in Panchayat areas and by the Municipal Corporation office in urban areas.
The Deputy Commissioner directed educational institutions to ensure that tobacco products are not sold within 100 yards of any school or college, along with ensuring that tobacco products are not sold within 100 yards of any school or college. He directed the Police Department to ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of COTPA-2003 and PECA-2019. He directed to strictly implement the 'Himachal Pradesh Tobacco Products Control Act, 2016' and 'Prohibition of Sale of Loose Cigarettes and Beedis Act, 2016'.
Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Bhatia, Chief Medical Officer Dr. SK Verma, District Nodal Officer of Tobacco Control Programme Dr. Ankit Chaudhary and officers from various departments were present in the meeting.