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On May 31, 2023, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) successfully launched the “Addiction Free Amrit Kaal” national campaign at the NCPCR headquarters on World Tobacco Day. This campaign represents a significant milestone in the mission to create a healthier and addiction-free India by addressing the pressing issue of tobacco and drug addiction among children. The program was organized by NCPCR in technical collaboration with Tobacco Free India, a group of citizens.
During the event, Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the NCPCR, and the participants praised the recent regulations implemented by the Central Government to govern the depiction of tobacco use on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. The significance of the proposed COTPA Amendment Act, which will aid in creating a tobacco-free atmosphere for children, was also underlined by them.
Shri Kanoongo emphasized the correlation between tobacco items and drug dependency, specifically drawing attention to how the entertainment industry lures children into consuming tobacco. Although there were already rules mandating warnings for tobacco use in movie scenes, regulations tailored to OTT platforms were necessary due to their increasing popularity and misuse. Regulating tobacco use on OTT platforms was recommended by the Commission to effectively address this issue. These necessary regulations have been implemented by the government to control tobacco consumption on OTT platforms.
Shri Kanoongo expressed strong support for a robust Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which will serve as a vital tool in curbing tobacco use, especially among children. This legislation includes stringent measures to restrict all forms of tobacco advertising at the point of sale and to eliminate designated smoking zones in public places. Such smoking zones pose a significant risk to children who are exposed to tobacco smoke in those areas.
Highlighting a unique initiative, Shri Kanoongo mentioned the establishment of ‘Prahari Clubs’ in schools, where children, who are most affected by indirect tobacco use, are made members. Approximately 60,000 such clubs have been formed so far. These ‘Prahari Clubs’ can be instrumental in freeing India from tobacco and drugs by serving as the government’s eyes and ears, reporting any tobacco-selling shops near their schools.
Mr. Praveen Ramdas, National Secretary of ‘Vigyan Bharati’ and the keynote speaker of the event, emphasized the role of educational institutions in promoting traditional practices and holistic approaches to combat addiction. He expressed concern that addiction is now equated with freedom and fashion, and emphasized the need to address the loopholes in existing laws while focusing on promoting institutions that foster good habits and strengthen the family system.
The health hazards related to drug and tobacco addiction were emphasized by Dr. Uma Kumar, who is the Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi and a renowned public health specialist. She stressed that more than 1.3 million individuals die every year in the nation because of the usage of lethal tobacco items. The COTPA Amendment Bill has the dual benefit of saving lives and decreasing the healthcare system’s burden. Dr. Kumar emphasized the urgent need for implementing the COTPA amendments, citing the large number of young people affected by tobacco-related problems.
Insights into addiction prevention and control on a global scale were provided by Dr. Jagdish Kaur, Regional Advisor of the Tobacco Free Initiative at WHO. Her concern was that the tobacco industry would find creative methods to entice young people as awareness of the dangers of tobacco increases. Dr. Kaur expressed her approval of the decision to control the portrayal of tobacco products on OTT platforms.
The inaugural event also highlighted the campaign’s key objectives, which include protecting children’s rights to a tobacco & drug-free environment. Several initiatives, workshops, awareness programs, & outreach activities are planned to actively engage schools, parents, & communities in the fight against tobacco & drug addiction.
Mr. Mukesh Kejriwal, a well-known tobacco control activist, moderated the session.
At the conclusion of the program, Ms. Rupali Banerjee Singh, Member Secretary of the NCPCR, expressed gratitude to all the experts and participants for their active participation and appealed for their continued cooperation in the future.
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