Top News

Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari has instructed local governing bodies to revoke licenses of shops and kiosks illegally selling tobacco products within 100 meters of educational institutions, in violation of the COTPA-2003 Act (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act).

Chairing the quarterly district-level COTPA meeting held at the District Commissioner’s office on Thursday, Dr. Vidya Kumari expressed concern over reports of tobacco products being sold near 38 schools and colleges in the district. “In Manipal alone, 11 shops were found violating norms, and in Byndoor, one such shop license has already been cancelled. Immediate action must be taken against others who flout these rules,” she stressed.

The DC emphasized that tobacco-selling establishments must obtain specific licenses and that parents should be vigilant to ensure children do not fall prey to addiction. Departments concerned were also directed to intensify awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

The DC proudly announced that Kodi Bengre village has been officially declared tobacco-free and urged local bodies, gram panchayat representatives, and PDOs to take initiative in declaring more villages tobacco-free.

Several apartment complexes in the district are also being certified as tobacco-free apartments, with certification already issued in parts of Udupi and Karkala, she added.

In April 2025 alone, more than five surprise raids were conducted across the district, leading to 71 cases being registered and a total fine of ₹11,400 being collected. Within the premises of the district hospital, 11 violations were booked and ₹1,100 in fines were imposed.

The DC emphasized that such enforcement drives should continue regularly. The meeting was also attended by District Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K., ASP P.A. Hegde, DFO Ganapathi, and other district-level implementation officers.