Mangalore, November 1: It is necessary to self-control the use of tobacco being aware on the side effects caused by it, said the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Tulasi Maddineni.
She was speaking after inaugurating a workshop organised for the DK district level officers at the auditorium of the district commissioner’s office on Friday October 31st.
She said a large number of families are dependent on industries producing tobacco products for their livelihood; hence it is not a feasible solution to ban the tobacco products. Controlling the consumption is the only way out as the tobacco production will gradually decrease when the demand for it decreases.
She said, the tobacco products are sold at some petty shops close to the schools and college areas which have to be controlled. She insisted the MCC officials to take appropriate actions on it.
She revealed that, during her school days, the promotion advertisements of tobacco were seen in the main streets. The ban imposed on such advertisements is beneficial. The children will not be able to decide about the right and wrong acts. We should take initiative about this, she expressed her opinion.
The CEO also insisted the Mangalore City Corporation officials to ban petty shops from selling cigarettes and tobacco products on the roadside, as it happens to be an easily accessible out let for the consumers. A gazetted officer has the power to impose fine on a person smoking in a public place.
Acting Commissioner of Mangalore City Corporation Gokuldas Nayak, Dr Jagannath the state consultant of tobacco control unit, resource person Dr Chandra Kiran, additional SP Shivakumar, District Health Officer Shivakumar, District TB disease control Dr Ramakrishna Rao, were present.
