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NCPCR against tobacco manufacturing companies employing

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : May 20 2016 | 6:22 PM IST
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has written to Corporate Affairs Ministry to direct companies involved in manufacturing of tobacco products against employment of children in their units as part of its campaign to stop children from tobacco abuse.
"NCPCR has started a campaign against abuse of tobacco, tobacco products and other intoxicating substances by children as well as misuse of children in selling, buying and smuggling of these products," Chairperson of the Commission Stuti Kacker said.
It has also sought the cooperation of Information and Broadcasting Ministry in creating awareness on these issues through media.
We have written to the Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to direct companies involved in the business of manufacturing these products, not to employ children in their units," she said.
In a letter written to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, NCPCR Chairperson has requested to take appropriate actions to keep children away from these activities.
In separate letters addressed to the Director General of Police of all States, the Commission has requested to sensitize the Police to strictly enforce Sections 77 and 78 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act which forbids the use of children in these activities.
"They have also been advised to discuss the enforcement of these Sections of Law in their monthly meetings with the senior police personnel," a senior NCPCR official said.
According to a study published in April, 2011 in Indian Journal of Medical Research, nearly one in ten adolescents in the age group 13-15 year in India have smoked cigarettes and almost half of these reported initiating tobacco use before the age of 10.

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First Published: May 20 2016 | 6:22 PM IST

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