Effective use of Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 to protect minors from the tobacco use: A case Study from Punjab

6^th International Conference on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

May 17-18, 2018 Tokyo, Japan

Rakesh K Gupta

Department of Health & Family Welfare, India

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Pulm Respir Med

Abstract :

Objectives: In COPD patients, inhalers misuse is a common problem in real life. The objective is to evaluate if the patientsâ�?�? beliefs about inhaled medication are associated with inhaler technique. Background: Government of India has passed has passed Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2015 (JJ Act) which has become enforceable from January 15, 2016 across whole of India. According to Section 77 of this Act says that, â�?�?Whoever gives, or causes to be given, to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend up to one lakh rupeesâ�?. Methods: A complaint was received by the State Tobacco Control cell, Punjab regarding the sale of Tobacco products to minor in Jalandhar district of Punjab on 30th May 2017. A meeting was held to constitute a special team for the enforcement drive on 31st May 2017. A decoy customer was identified to nab the violator. Results: On 31st May 2017, Tobacco Vendor was hauled under Juvenile Justice Act for selling cigarettes to a minor (decoy). FIR was lodged against the vendor under section 77 of Juvenile Justice Act. Conclusion: Strict implementation of Juvenile Justice Act will definitely reduce the tobacco usage among children. Strong interdepartmental co-ordination, regular enforcements drives, Awareness activities are the reinforcers in deterring young children and youth from initiation and also motivate current users to quit.

Biography :

Rakesh K Gupta is the Deputy Director, Non-Communicable Diseases, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Punjab. He has expertise in managing National Non-Communicable Diseases Programs especially Blindness Control/Tobacco Control Programs and has professional experience of 33 years in service.
Email:rakesh60.mahajan@gmail.com