KUPWARA: The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meeting was today held at DC Office Chamber, Kupwara under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse to review the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA-2003) in the district.

During the meeting, The DC emphasized strict enforcement of tobacco control measures, particularly in public places and educational institutions, and directed all stakeholder departments to ensure visible compliance of COTPA-2003 provisions across the district.

The DC stressed on effective implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines and directed the Education Department to ensure installation of signages, appointment of tobacco monitors, and conduct of awareness programmes in all schools and colleges.

The DC also directed for intensified enforcement drives in markets and public places to ensure compliance with COTPA-2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA).

 He further called for extensive awareness campaigns, including wall paintings, posters, and competitions in schools to highlight the ill effects of tobacco use. On Tobacco-Free Villages, the DC instructed the concerned officers to conduct special Gram Sabha meetings to sensitize Panchayat members, NGOs, SHGs, youth and farmers, besides organizing Nukkad Nataks, wall writings, and declaration programmes to promote and sustain the ā€œTobacco-Free Villageā€ initiative.

During the meeting it was informed that a student rally under the NTCP will be organized on October 28, 2025,  from DC Office Complex Kupwara, which will proceed via Bypass Road to Sub-District Hospital Kupwara with participation of students and ASHA workers. The meeting was attended by SDM Lolab, CMO Kupwara, ASP Kupwara, DySP Handwara, BMO's DEPO,CEO MC and other concerned Officers. 

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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