As part of efforts to minimise the consumption of tobacco products, the Jammu and Kashmir Government is mulling to set up a committee to monitor the progress of initiatives for controlling the menace.

Voicing concern over increasing cases of cancer every year due to use of tobacco in different forms, state Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma sought strong measures to minimise the consumption of cigarettes, gutka and other such products.

“The Government is contemplating to constitute a high-level monitoring Committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister. The Committee will monitor steps initiated to curb the menace of tobacco and other allied products,” he said while interacting with representatives of Voluntary Health Association of India here last evening.

He sought society’s help in dealing with the issue, saying Government efforts were not enough to get rid of this menace and save the younger generation.

Sham Lal Sharma also appealed to socio-religious organisations to use their influence and make people aware about the ill-effects of tobacco and other drug abuses.

On the issue of banning gutka in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said he has already passed specific instructions to the concerned and the matter is under active consideration of the Government.

He said the Government will bring a legislation to ban gutka in the state in the near future.

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