In consonance with the State Government’s decision, the DM and Collector office of West District has become ‘Tobacco-Free Zone’ from Tuesday.
A meeting to this end was held and briefing the media after the meeting, DM Debapriyo Bardhan announced that staff, officials, officers and including visitors of the Office should abstain from the use or carry of both Smoke and smokeless Tobacco products from today in office premises. The DM further said, in case of non-compliance the offenders will have to pay spot fine and challan as per COTPA 2003.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb hailed the decision and wrote in Facebook, “Congratulations to the DM West Tripura and other concerned officials for declaring District Magistrate and Collector Office of West Tripura District as Tobacco-free office from today onwards. This step will help us to march ahead on the path of making #DrugsFreeTripura. This decision sets an example for all the government offices, I am sure other govt. offices will get inspired from this decision and will join this initiative soon. Let’s strive to build a healthy and progressive society.”
Meanwhile, till date in West District 73 Educational Institutions, Two Block Offices viz. —Hezamara Block and Jirania Block, Central Medicine Store Shyamolibazar and Narsingarh PHC have already conducted staff meetings also displayed mandatory signage’s, and other required provisions in this financial year as per new guideline under GOI.
On the eve of the 50th Statehood day of Tripura – on January 21, 2022 – the State Government has already decided to make all Government Offices and Educational Institute as Tobacco Free Offices and Educational Institutes before January 21 next.