House lauds NOTE for no-tobacco mission
PTI, PANAJI | 02 August 2012 21:07 IST
Goa Legislative Assembly today congratulated a nationally acclaimed anti-tobacco NGO for their work after the state was found to be lowest on tobacco consumption, as per the national survey.
The House passed a motion congratulating National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), a Goa-based anti-tobacco watchdog, for its constant campaign against smoking in the state.
BJP legislator Dr Pramod Sawant moved the resolution praising the efforts of the NGO for helping the government to frame anti-smoking and spitting legislation, which has been currently in force in the state.
Goa has been termed as lowest on the tobacco consumption by Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS). The has the lowest tobacco user rate of 8.8 percent.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who also heads NOTE, said the state government would further tighten the implementation of the legislation from September onwards.
"I know that the enforcement has been weak. From September onwards, the strict implementation banning smoking in public places would be done," he added.
Speaking on the motion, Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane recalled the contribution by noted cancer surgeon Dr Sharad Vaidya towards anti-tobacco cause in the state, which was inspirational for forming of the NOTE.
On reading this I am shocked to find out that after going to your country for many years on holiday I am not going to be able to enjoy a cig with my drink while out in the evening, I wish I had seen this before I booked to go again later this year, too many changes going on and I think it could have an adverse affect on tourism in the long run.