Authorities in Assam’s Margherita Co-District conducted an enforcement drive on October 23 to prevent the illegal sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. The operation aimed to ensure compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and protect students from exposure to tobacco.
The joint inspection took place in Margherita town, where officials checked shops and commercial establishments located within 100 yards of schools and colleges. The team examined violations related to tobacco sales, product displays and advertising restrictions.
The administration took action against violations and seized prohibited items wherever applicable. Officials also informed shopkeepers about tobacco control regulations and their responsibility to prevent children and young people from accessing tobacco products.
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Key Facts About the Margherita Tobacco Enforcement Drive
- Location: Margherita town, Assam
- Date: October 23, 2026
- Purpose: Enforce tobacco control laws and restrict tobacco sales near educational institutions
- Applicable law: Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003
- Restricted area: Within 100 yards of educational institutions
- Officials involved: Assistant Commissioner Pronami Gogoi, Municipal Board Executive Officer Bikram Sharma, police personnel and municipal officials
- Action taken: Inspections, action against violations and seizure of prohibited items where applicable
Joint Inspection Conducted Across Educational Institutions
The enforcement team included Assistant Commissioner Pronami Gogoi, Margherita Municipal Board Executive Officer Bikram Sharma, a sub-inspector from Margherita Police Station and other officials from the municipal board and police department.
During the operation, officials inspected commercial establishments near several educational institutions in Margherita town. These included Margherita College, PM Shri Town High School, Margherita Public Higher Secondary School, Margherita Town Public Primary School and Mahabir Das Hindi Lower Primary School.
The inspections focused on identifying shops selling tobacco products within the legally restricted distance of educational institutions. Officials also checked whether businesses complied with regulations concerning the display and advertisement of tobacco products.
Where violations were identified, authorities took appropriate action, including the seizure of prohibited items wherever applicable.
COTPA Rules Aim to Protect Students
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, establishes restrictions on tobacco advertising and sales, including a prohibition on selling tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.
These measures aim to reduce young people’s exposure to tobacco and discourage tobacco consumption among students. Enforcement drives also help inform business owners about their legal responsibilities.
During the Margherita operation, officials explained the relevant provisions of COTPA to shopkeepers and commercial establishment owners. They stressed the importance of following tobacco control regulations and preventing minors from gaining access to tobacco products.
Awareness among retailers remains an important part of enforcement, as compliance can help create safer surroundings for students.
Margherita Administration Plans Regular Monitoring
The Margherita Co-District Administration stated that regular monitoring and periodic enforcement drives would continue to ensure compliance with tobacco control laws.
Such inspections are intended to discourage violations and strengthen the implementation of tobacco control measures around schools and colleges. Continued coordination between the administration, police and municipal authorities will support these efforts.
Margherita, located in Assam’s Tinsukia district region, is an important town in Upper Assam. Protecting educational spaces from tobacco-related exposure is part of the broader effort to promote student welfare and public health across the Northeast.
The administration’s enforcement initiative highlights the importance of implementing existing laws at the local level. Regular inspections, retailer awareness and appropriate action against violations can help ensure that educational institutions remain protected environments for children and young people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened in Margherita, Assam?
Authorities conducted a tobacco enforcement drive on October 23, 2026, to check violations near schools and colleges.
2. Which law was enforced during the operation?
Officials enforced the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
3. What is the restriction on tobacco sales near educational institutions?
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.
4. Which educational institutions were covered by the drive?
Inspections covered areas near Margherita College, PM Shri Town High School, Margherita Public Higher Secondary School, Margherita Town Public Primary School and Mahabir Das Hindi Lower Primary School.
5. Will similar enforcement drives continue?
Yes. The Margherita Co-District Administration stated that regular monitoring and periodic enforcement drives would continue to ensure compliance with tobacco control laws.
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