Organises event at Mantralaya to create awareness about tobacco control
In accordance with World No Tobacco Day, the Maharashtra government joined hands with NGO Salaam Mumbai Foundation to organise a three-day event at Mantralaya that encompassed different activities – each one taking another step forward in making the state of Maharashtra tobacco-free. The event that began on May 29 with a public exhibition, covered pictures and photographs from projects led by the NGO in conjunction with the state government. Posters spoke of the ills of tobacco and interactive games and activities formed a part of the display.
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra and Dr Deepak Sawant, State Health Minister, Maharashtra, took an oath along with the staff of Mantralaya to make the state administration headquarters and the state of Maharashtra tobacco-free. The event that began on May 29 with a public exhibition, covered pictures and photographs from projects led by the NGO in conjunction with the state government. Posters spoke of the ills of tobacco and interactive games and activities formed a part of the display. It was attended by several other government officials including Mahesh Zagade, Principal Secretary, CMO, Maharashtra who inaugurated the function, Rajkumar Badole, Minister of Social Justice who opened the tobacco-free school model and exhibition. Dr Ranjit Patil, State Home Minister was also present to support the initiative. He had interacted with the children and was enlightened about their perspective.
The event saw a major move in the direction when a toll-free helpline was launched to report any kind of violations of the Act. Dr Pallavi Darade, FDA Commissioner launched the toll-free number on May 30 in Mantralaya. The general public has been appealed to call the number 1800222365 in order to report any kind of COTPA violations that come to their notice.
Speaking about the event, Tshering Bhutia, General Manager, Salaam Bombay Foundation, said, “The Maharashtra government has been taking praiseworthy steps towards making the state tobacco-free. From creating awareness among young children in school to ensuring that schools in the state themselves become tobacco-free, the state government is committed to its efforts to create a tobacco-free state. This year, on World No Tobacco Day, this event was arranged on the premises of Mantralaya, the seat of the state government and with a public notice officially declaring it a tobacco-free workplace. The initiative to keep our state tobacco-free will definitely gain momentum when we have government’s support in all our endeavours.”