J&K to constitute committee to measure outcome of anti-tobacco initiatives

J&K to constitute committee to measure outcome of anti-tobacco initiatives

In an effort to monitor the progress of anti-tobacco use initiatives in the state, the J&K government has planned to set up a high level monitor committee committee. With the number of cancer cases rising every year, state health minister Sham Lal Sharma had sought strong measures to minimise the consumption of cigarettes, gutka and other such products.

"The Government is contemplating to constitute a monitoring Committee under the chairmanship of chief minister Omar Abdullah. The committee would monitor the results of the steps initiated to curb the menace of tobacco and other allied products," he said while interacting with representatives of Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) here onThursday evening.

He also urged the society to support the government in dealing with the issue, saying that the lone efforts by the government efforts were not enough to get rid of themenace.

Sharma also appealed to socio-religious organisations to use their influence and make people aware about the ill effects of tobacco and other drug abuses.

On the issue of banning gutka in the state, the minister said he has already passed specific instructions to the authorities concerned and the matter is under active consideration of the government.

He said the government will bring a legislation to ban gutka in the state in the near future.