Jamshedpur: Acting on the instructions of the District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Dhalbhum, Shatabdi Majumdar, launched an enforcement drive against the illegal sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. The campaign was carried out around DBMS School in Kadma, targeting shopkeepers flouting norms under the COTPA Act, 2003 (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act), which strictly prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institution.
Accompanied by Food Safety Officer Md. Manjar, the SDO inspected several shops in the vicinity of the school. While vendors found violating the rules were issued warnings, fines were imposed on two shop operators for non-compliance with the law. The enforcement team emphasized that such violations pose a serious risk to the health and well-being of children and youth, and assured that the administration would continue to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to such offenses.
Speaking to the media, Majumdar urged the public to cooperate by reporting instances of illegal tobacco sales, stressing the need for community support in creating a tobacco-free environment around schools and colleges. She added that similar surprise inspections will be carried out in other areas in the coming weeks to ensure strict adherence to the law.
