SHOPIAN: The District Health Society, Shopian in collaboration with Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir today organised a District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC)  Meeting cum Symposium at Mini Secretariat, Shopian to facilitate the strict enforcement of 'Control of Tobacco Protection Act, 2003' ( COTPA) and 'National Tobacco Control Program' (NTCP) in the district.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar presided over the meeting cum seminar and reviewed measures and action taken till date towards the furtherance of Tobacco free society.   Experts from the DHSK presented various provisions of the COTPA and NTCP for the awareness of stakeholders departments and a diverse gathering of audience.

On the occasion, directions were given for strict enforcement on making all government institutions/ private premises 'Tobacco Free Zones' and all educational institutions as 'Tobacco Free Educational institutions ' as per the guidelines. The DC also directed for displaying mandatory signages across the prominent places, denouncing use of Tobacco products. He said, smoking is the Window to Drug addiction, and that all measures should be taken to tackle the menace by creating necessary deterrence.

SSP Shopian, Anayat Ali deliberated on the critical role of multi sectoral strategies and proper implementation of laws to tackle the issue comprehensively and assured tougher and strictest stance and enforcement from police administration in the district towards the implementation of NTCP and COTPA.

During the deliberations, issues of  surrogate advertising, vendor licensing, mass awareness campaigns, the role of village heads, teachers, and parents were deliberated upon and department wise Action Plans and responsibilities enumerated.

Emphasis was given on conducting intensive IEC activities across the district for dissemination of information on the adverse impacts of tobacco use. Capacity building of stakeholders was asked to be stressed for implementation along with increasing challans against the violations of the Act.

He also stressed on keeping watch on Drug addiction, anti social and anti national activities and taking cogent action against these threats. ADDC Shopian, Dr.Nasir Ahmad Lone, ACR and other concerned officers from the district attended the event along with hundreds of Lumberdars and Chowkidars of the district.

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). “His article, ‘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.”.  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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