Chennai: Likening the perils of tobacco products to the liquor menace, the People's Organisation for Tobacco Control in Tamil Nadu, an NGO, has called on the state government to spread awareness about the dangers of consuming tobacco among children, take strict action against outlets selling electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, and impose a blanket ban on nicotine pouches. This appeal comes a day after the government ordered the shutdown of 717 Tasmac retail liquor outlets near places of worship and educational institutions.
NGO's Letter to Chief Minister
In a letter to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Cyril Alexander, convenor of the organisation, stated, "Tobacco is a gateway drug for all forms of addiction. Drug-free school zones must be created around schools. Tobacco-related education should also be included in teacher training programmes."
Additional Demands
The NGO also called for anti-drug check posts at state borders to prevent the entry of narcotic substances. It highlighted that the State Tobacco Control Cell has been functioning for years without adequate funding and has largely been neglected. Furthermore, the organisation urged for a ban on chewable tobacco products.
