Deputy Commissioner M. Deepa has urged non-government organisations, the Department of Health and Family Welfare and COTPA officials to give special focus on helping youth to come out of addiction. Speaking after inaugurating a World Anti-Tobacco Day programme here on Sunday, Ms. Deepa said that youth falling prey to addiction is a matter of grave concern. Enlightened people should sensitise youth to keep away from tobacco. To put a ban on sale of gutkha which is largely consumed by youth in North Karnataka, the government has brought into force the COTPA Act and under this act, those selling gutkha can be imprisoned, she added. Ms. Deepa asked the COTPA and health officials to hold education programme in densely populated areas and also near bus stands, schools and colleges round the year and prevent youth from consuming tobacco.

Source: The Hindu May 31, 2020 17:41 UTC