Mission Vatsalya Bandipora Conducts Anti-Tobacco Drive Around Schools Under Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign
Bandipora, June 3 (PTK): As part of the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Mission Vatsalya (Child Protection Services) Bandipora carried out a district-wide anti-tobacco awareness and enforcement drive around educational institutions to protect children and adolescents from substance abuse.
The campaign covered several areas of the district, including Nahidal, Garoora, Argam, Ajas, Sudnara, SK Payeen, SK Bala, Madwan and Hajin, where officials inspected shops operating in the vicinity of schools and educational institutions.
During the drive, shopkeepers and vendors were sensitized about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption on children and youth. Officials stressed the need to maintain a safe and healthy environment around educational institutions and urged traders to refrain from selling tobacco products to minors.
The enforcement teams warned vendors against selling tobacco products near schools and informed them about the provisions of Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which prohibits supplying intoxicating substances, including tobacco, to children. They also highlighted the legal consequences and penalties for violating the law.
As part of the awareness campaign, anti-tobacco posters carrying health and safety messages were installed at strategic locations near educational institutions to educate students, parents and the general public about the dangers of tobacco use.
The team also imposed fines on violators found breaching regulations, reaffirming the administration’s commitment towards strict enforcement of child protection and anti-tobacco laws.
Mission Vatsalya officials appealed to the public to actively support child protection efforts by reporting violations through Child Helpline 1098 or Emergency Helpline 112.
Members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), including Mohd Hashim Rather and Rasikh Ramzan, also participated in the awareness and enforcement initiative.
Officials stated that the drive forms part of the government’s broader efforts to create a safe, healthy and child-friendly environment under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign.
They added that similar awareness and enforcement programmes will continue across Bandipora district to curb tobacco and drug abuse and safeguard the well-being of children and youth.(PTK)
