Joint Tobacco Control Raid on 15.04.2026

Chandigarh, 15.04.2026:As per the directions issued by the Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration (U.T.), and under the able guidance of Secretary Health & Additional Secretary Health, Chandigarh Administration, a joint team led by officers of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, comprising officials from the Health Department, Police Department, Excise & Taxation Department, Department of Legal Metrology, and Food Safety & Drug Control Wing, conducted a joint raid for enforcement of tobacco control in Chandigarh on 15.04.2026.

1. Sh. Vinod Kumar S/o Shree Man Narayan, R/o Baiarmpur, Uttar Pradesh (operating a khokha near GST Office, Sector 17-C), was found selling loose and imported cigarettes without appropriate signage. There was no Section 6A signage under COTPA, 2003.
2. Sh. Mohan Singh S/o Uday Singh (operating a khokha outside TASVA Showroom, Sector 17-C, Chandigarh) was found selling loose cigarettes. There was no Section 6A signage under COTPA, 2003.
3. Sh. Gopal Krishan S/o Banunari Lal (operating Chaurasiya Confectionery, SCF No. 39/1, Sector 18-D, Chandigarh) was found selling loose as well as imported cigarettes. There was no Section 6A signage under COTPA, 2003.
4. Sh. Saresh Kumar S/o Ram Chand (operating Chaurasia Sons, Booth No. 28, Sector 18-D, Chandigarh) was found selling loose as well as imported cigarettes. Additionally, he was also found selling nicotine pouches, which come under the Poisons Act, 1914. There was no Section 6A signage under COTPA, 2003.

Enforcement Details:
1. Sh. Vinod Kumar – Fine of ₹500 imposed by Health Department and ₹500 by Excise Department. 4 packets of imported cigarettes worth ₹1,600 seized by Excise Department. 25 packets of loose cigarettes worth ₹10,000 destroyed.
2. Sh. Mohan Singh – 5 packets of imported cigarettes worth ₹2,000 seized by Excise Department. 40 packets of loose cigarettes worth ₹16,000 destroyed.
3. Sh. Gopal Krishan – Fine of ₹1,000 imposed by Excise Department. 4 packets of imported cigarettes worth ₹1,600 seized.
4. Sh. Saresh Kumar – Fine of ₹1,000 imposed by Health Department and ₹1,000 by Excise Department. 5 packets of imported cigarettes worth ₹2,000 seized by Excise Department. 10 packets of nicotine pouches worth ₹2,500 seized by Police Department. 25 packets of loose cigarettes worth ₹10,000 destroyed.

The total fine imposed by the Health Department, Excise Department, and Legal Metrology Department amounts to ₹4,000. Illegal/imported cigarettes worth approximately ₹9,700 were seized by the Excise Department. These lacked the mandatory 85% pictorial health warning. Additionally, 90 packets of loose cigarettes worth ₹36,000 were self-destroyed by vendors.

Further, 3 persons were issued challans by the Police Department for smoking in public places during the raid.

The Director Health & Family Welfare, Chandigarh U.T., Dr. Suman Singh, assured that such raids will continue through the Permanent Task Force constituted by the Chandigarh Administration. The aim is to create awareness regarding the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), COTPA Act, 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, and to curb the sale of illegal tobacco products.”
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Poshan Pakhwada Celebrations: Focus on First 1000 Days, Nutrition Awareness & Community Participation

Chandigarh, April 15, 2026: Under Poshan Pakhwada, activities focusing on “Poshan Delivers the First 1000 Days” were successfully organized to support pregnant and lactating mothers as well as children aged 0–2 years. Various activities such as Godh Bharai, Pre-School activities, and Annaprashan ceremonies were conducted in Project 2 in the presence of the CDPO and Supervisors. The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from women, while children actively participated by presenting engaging and impressive poems.

A special awareness lecture was also delivered by Dr. Diksha Sharma, CBE, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition during the critical first 1000 days of life for pregnant women and infants at MMT.

Further, an awareness session was organized at Ramdarbar on the donation of old toys, books, and other learning materials to Anganwadi Centres through the Pankhudi Portal, encouraging community participation and resource sharing for early childhood development.

Alongside, various minor activities were carried out including youth group meetings, promotion of millets, campaigns for backyard kitchen gardens, and home visits to encourage the use of millets in daily diets. Anganwadi Centres were also promoted as learning centres, with emphasis on early breastfeeding practices.

Further awareness activities included promotion of millets for pregnant women, discouraging junk and packaged food, strengthening pre-school education for children aged 3 to 6 years, and spreading awareness on immunization during home visits.

The celebrations witnessed active participation from community members, Anganwadi workers, and stakeholders, setting a positive tone for the upcoming days of Poshan Pakhwada.

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Empowering Youth for a Healthier Tomorrow: NSS Unit Leads TB-Free India Drive under 100 Days Campaign Initiative 2026

The NSS Unit of the college successfully organized an impactful awareness session under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan as part of the 100 Days Intensified TB Awareness Campaign Initiative 2026, aiming to promote health, nutrition, and community responsibility among students and society at large.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Prof. Rama Arora, Principal of Government College for Men, Dr. Navneet Kanwar, State TB Officer, Health Department, Chandigarh, and Dr. Nemi Chand Golia, NSS State Liaison Officer, Chandigarh. Their presence added immense value and inspiration to the occasion.

The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers, who actively engaged in spreading awareness through nukkad nataks and interactive campaigns. These activities effectively highlighted the importance of eradicating tuberculosis and working collectively towards a TB-free India. Their dedication and spirited performances were widely appreciated.
A proud moment for the institution was the recognition of Mansi Sharma, who was selected among the top seven NSS volunteers across India for an online interaction with the Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J. P. Nadda. This achievement brought great honor to the institution and reflected the commitment of its volunteers towards national health initiatives. The volunteers were also applauded for their proactive involvement in the 100 Days Intensified TB Awareness Campaign (2025), where they played a crucial role in mobilizing communities and spreading awareness at the grassroots level.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Navneet Kanwar emphasized the importance of early detection, awareness, and community participation in eliminating tuberculosis. Prof. Rama Arora lauded the NSS unit for organizing such meaningful initiatives and encouraged students to continue contributing towards nation-building through awareness and service.

Dr. Nemi Chand Golia highlighted the pivotal role of youth in driving national health missions and appreciated the NSS unit for its consistent efforts.
The program concluded with all participants taking a solemn pledge for a TB-Free India, reaffirming their commitment to spreading awareness and contributing towards the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis. A rally was also organized to further amplify the message of TB awareness among the wider community.

The event stood as a powerful example of youth-led action, awareness, and dedication towards building a healthier and TB free India.