MLA Dahiya launches COTPA Act-backed Anti-Tobacco Campaign, urges Sarpanches to create tobacco-free villages
Ferozepur, October 27, 2025: An awareness banner under the Health Department's "Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign" to combat tobacco use was launched today by Ferozepur Rural MLA Rajnish Dahiya. During the event, he appealed to sarpanches and panchayat members to work towards making their villages tobacco-free.
The launch was attended by Dr Manmeet Singh, School Health Officer, District Mass Media Officer Sanjeev Sharma, and Deputy Mass Media Officer Ankush Bhandari.
Civil Surgeon Dr Rajwinder Kaur stated that the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, is being strictly enforced nationwide. All government buildings and offices are being declared tobacco-free zones, with "No Smoking" boards displayed prominently. She added that guidelines have been issued to task force members to issue challans for violations of the Act.
Sanjeev Sharma and Ankush Bhandari of the Mass Media Section highlighted that under Sections 4 and 6 of the COTPA Act, actions are being taken to penalise tobacco use in public places such as bus stands, railway stations, banks, markets, parks, hotels, and dhabas. In addition, the sale of tobacco near educational institutions is being prohibited.
Under the supervision of District Nodal Officer Dr Amarvir Singh Sidhu, the "Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign" is being effectively implemented in Ferozepur City and its villages. Awareness activities are ongoing, and violators are being fined on the spot through challans. The Health Department has also directed all offices to declare themselves tobacco-free and display awareness boards.