Crackdown on sale of tobacco products near Jamshedpur schools

Jamshedpur: In a stringent effort to curb the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, a surprise inspection drive was conducted under the directive of Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal. The operation, spearheaded by Dhalbhum Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Shatabdi Mazumdar, targeted areas around schools in the Aambagan and Sakchi regions.

The crackdown involved surprise raids near Sharadamani School and Rajasthan Vidya Mandir, focusing on shops and roadside kiosks within a 100-yard radius of the schools. During the operation, five shops were found violating the prohibition on selling tobacco products near educational institutions. All seized products were confiscated on the spot, and the shop owners were fined ₹1,000 each.

The inspection team included Executive Magistrate  Chandrjeet Singh and Food Safety Officer Manzar Hussain.

Speaking about the operation, Shatabdi Mazumdar emphasized that selling tobacco products, cigarettes, or gutkha near schools is strictly prohibited under existing regulations. She warned shopkeepers of stricter penalties if they are found selling such products again. She also reiterated that selling tobacco products without appropriate warnings and licenses is illegal.

Confiscated tobacco products are to be listed and destroyed as per protocol. The SDO assured that similar inspection drives will continue to ensure compliance and deter the illegal sale of tobacco products.

This initiative highlights the administration’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of students and maintaining a safe environment around schools.