Chief Secretary of Tripura, J K Sinha on Tuesday released National Law University (NLU) Tripura’s comprehensive report on compliance monitoring aimed at assessing the enforcement of Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 across the eight districts of the State.

The study was conducted by the Centre for Public Health Law, NLU Tripura in collaboration with Voluntary Health Association of Tripura. The meticulous report prepared by NLU Tripura faculty and students presents a thorough examination of compliance levels with COTPA 2003 provisions, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of enforcement efforts across Tripura. Dr. Nachiketa Mittal, Registrar, NLU Tripura presented the brief outcome of the survey report.

Mr Sinha while releasing the report observed that “while Tripura is progressing on various fronts but unfortunately, we also witness mounting consumption of tobacco, liquor and other narcotic substances which is a stigma on our progress. This is nothing but a failure of our intellectual class in educating people in this regard”. Chief Secretary commended the work done by the NLU Tripura in such a short time and requested to organize a brainstorming session to find out a solution to all the voids identified by the survey report. We surely need to introspect why farmers in Unakoti left cultivation of oranges and started cultivating arecanut, Chief Secretary raised concern.

Prof. Yogesh Pratap Singh, the Vice-Chancellor of NLU Tripura while introducing the survey undertaken by the Centre for Public Health Law, NLU Tripura emphasized that though government of Tripura has taken several progressive steps towards eradication of tobacco menace but it requires a concerted effort of various other stakeholders. The session was attended by the Director, Tripura Judicial Academy, representatives of National Health Mission (NHM) Tripura and VHAT. At the end, all stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to implement the recommendations outlined in the report and worked collaboratively to create a healthier, tobacco-free environment for the people of Tripura.