CHANDIGARH, 27.03.26-A three-day training programme for law enforcers under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was successfully conducted from March 23 to 25, 2026, in Chandigarh. The programme was organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, U.T. Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Police Department, U.T. Chandigarh, at Police Lines, Sector 26, Chandigarh. The training was attended by Sub-Inspectors and Inspectors of Chandigarh Police, with technical support from Vital Strategies and support from NGO Generation Saviour Association.

Inaugurating the programme, Director Health and Family Welfare, U.T. Chandigarh, Dr. Suman Singh, emphasised the need for strict and sustained enforcement of tobacco control laws to safeguard public health and curb the rising burden of tobacco-related diseases. She reiterated the Health Department’s commitment to reducing tobacco-related violations, highlighting that consistent enforcement and awareness are key to reducing tobacco use.

Sharing key data, Dr. Rana J. Singh, Director, Vital Strategies (South East Asia), stated that as per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), tobacco use prevalence in Chandigarh stands at approximately 13.7%, significantly lower than the national average of 28.6%. However, he cautioned that smokeless tobacco use is on the rise, and initiation at a young age remains a concern.

Ms. Opinder Preet Kaur, Director, Generation Saviour Association, a public health organisation with over three decades of experience, highlighted that violations such as smoking in public places, sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, and access to tobacco by minors continue to be major challenges in urban areas. She underscored the crucial role of the police in ensuring compliance through regular inspections and penal action as per existing laws.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, President, SIPHER, pointed out that tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable deaths globally. He also highlighted emerging challenges posed by new nicotine delivery products such as e-cigarettes and vapes, which require vigilant enforcement.

Dr. Gopal Chauhan, Block Medical Officer, Himachal Pradesh, stressed the importance of a proactive enforcement approach. He emphasised strict implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act, 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, to restrict access, especially among youth. He also shared practical enforcement strategies based on his field experience.

The training, conducted in three batches, focused on strengthening inter-departmental coordination and enhancing public awareness. Interactive role-play sessions were held to build practical enforcement skills among participants.

More than 150 Sub-Inspectors and Inspectors of Chandigarh Police underwent the training programme. Participants also took a “No Tobacco” pledge, committing to undertake regular and effective enforcement of tobacco control laws and to motivate others towards a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Notably, enforcement of various provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act, 2003, particularly Section 4 pertaining to the prohibition of smoking in public places, already forms a part of the regular Monthly Crime Review in Chandigarh.