Government to Strengthen ‘COTPA-2003’ to Protect Youth and Children from Tobacco: Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi

VIDYA SAGAR

May 31, 2026 SHIMLA: In a decisive move to safeguard children and youth from the hazardous effects of tobacco, the Himachal Pradesh government is set to introduce stringent amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)-2003. Along with these amendments, robust legal provisions will be implemented to tightly regulate the operations of hookah bars across the state.

The announcement was made by the Chief Guest, Health Secretary Smt. M. Sudha Devi (IAS), during the inauguration of a one-day state-level dissemination workshop organized under the ‘No Tobacco Day Campaign-2026’. The workshop, themed “Towards Tobacco-Free Himachal Pradesh: Policy, Enforcement, and Tobacco-Free Generation,” was hosted by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Himachal Pradesh.

Survey Report Reveals Alarming Violations Near Educational Institutions

During the event, an analytical survey report focusing on the concentration of tobacco vendors and compliance with tobacco control laws in the state was officially released. The report highlighted several deeply concerning facts:

• Violations of the 100-Yard Rule: More than 10% of tobacco vendors were found operating within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions, standing in direct violation of the law.

• Absence of Mandatory Warning Boards: A significant majority of vendors failed to display the mandatory statutory warning boards prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.

• Open Display of Tobacco Products: At numerous locations, tobacco items were openly displayed, making them highly visible and easily accessible to children and adolescents.

Tobacco Control is a Shared Social Responsibility

Addressing the gathering, the Health Secretary emphasized that safeguarding public health demands immediate, stringent action. Officials representing various departments stressed the need to intensify ground-level enforcement through:

1. Joint Enforcement Drives: Collaborative surprise inspections involving the Police, Excise and Taxation, and local administrations.

2. Special Surveillance Zones: Maintaining round-the-clock vigilance and strict monitoring around schools and colleges.

3. Collective Accountability: It was explicitly noted that tobacco control is not solely the responsibility of the Health Department, but a shared mandate across all government bodies and civil society.

Prominent Dignitaries in Attendance

The high-level workshop saw active participation from over 55 key stakeholders and administrative heads, including:

• Dr. Gopal Beri (Director, Health Services)

• Dr. Satish Chaudhary (Director, Dental Health Services)

• Dr. Rana J. Singh (Director of Tobacco Control, Vital Strategies, New Delhi)

• Mr. Ravinder Kumar (Additional Commissioner, Excise and Taxation)

• Dr. Rajesh Guleri (Deputy Mission Director, National Health Mission)

• Mr. Vijay Baragta (Deputy Director, Panchayati Raj)

Conclusion: Concluding the session, the state government reiterated its unwavering commitment to enforcing tobacco control laws with zero tolerance to secure the safety of children and fortify public health.