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Implement law on tobacco: NGO

BHUBANESWAR: When World Anti-Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year, officials from health administrators to top police brass of Orissa compete among themselves to list the ill-effects of tobacco. But, when it comes to implementing the related law, everybody seems to have shirked their responsibilities.

As per the Right To Information, while COTPA was notified in the year 2004, nothing tangible step was taken to implement it during the last four years.

“The departments which are authorised to implement the law are not aware of the measures to be taken and as a result, no action has yet been taken,” according to Itishree Kanungo, project manager of VHAI-Aparajita, a voluntary organisation.

Everywhere, even inside the campus of Utkal University, tobacco sale and consumption were a regular phenomenon catching least attention of the authorities concerned, Ms. Kanungo said, adding it was happening even though Higher Education Department received the communication regarding the gazette notification.

The organisation had sought Information under RTI from the Finance Department, which replied that no tax was levied on tobacco under COTPA-2003 during the year 2006-07. “Earlier the revenue was collected by Centre through AED (Additional Excise Duty) but from this year the Orissa government is collecting the revenue, which will be around Rs. 35 crores,” Ms. Kanungo said.

“Tobacco is a serious public health issue and the State must give utmost importance to this. When the law is already in place and the State has notified it, now it’s our responsibility to carry forward the matter,” Ms. Kanungo said.

The department of health and family welfare should once again activate the entire process so that the earlier instructions can be carried out, she demanded.

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