J&K residents can now report tobacco violations via New Mobile App

Srinagar, June 01:
The Tobacco Control Cell Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has launched the Tobacco Monitor App, a mobile application allowing citizens across Jammu and Kashmir to report tobacco violations from anywhere, officials announced on Saturday.
The app, part of ongoing efforts to promote a tobacco-free future, encourages users to quit smoking and discontinue all forms of tobacco use, including smokeless and newer products. Dr. Mir Mushtaq, State Nodal Officer (Kashmir Division), National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), stated that the app provides an online platform for reporting violations, significantly advancing the goal of a tobacco-free society.
“This application empowers citizens to actively participate in curbing tobacco-related violations,” Dr.Mushtaq said. Users can report instances of tobacco use in prohibited areas, sales to minors, and other infractions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003. “If a citizen sees any violation, such as selling cigarettes near schools or smoking in public places, they can immediately report it using the app,” he added.
The app, designed to be user-friendly, ensures accessibility for people from all walks of life. Once a complaint is registered, it is promptly forwarded to the concerned authorities for swift action, enhancing enforcement efficiency and ensuring timely accountability for violators.
“This path-breaking initiative will be a game changer in handling complaints and making reporting violations easy,” Dr.Mushtaq emphasized. The app’s launch marks a significant step towards community-driven health initiatives, raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and fostering collective responsibility among citizens.
By facilitating real-time reporting, the app contributes to creating a smoke-free environment, aligning with broader public health goals. “Overall, it is a testament to the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department’s commitment to leveraging technology in the fight against tobacco use, ensuring a healthier future for residents,” Dr.Mushtaq said.
Available on the Google Play Store, the app includes contact numbers for Deputy Commissioners and other officers responsible for COTPA implementation. Users can also report whether Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines are being followed.
The app was launched under the supervision of Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, by Mission Director NHM, NazimZai Khan, and Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr.Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, on World No Tobacco Day.
Jammu and Kashmir face a significant tobacco use epidemic, ranking as the 6th highest consumer of tobacco in India, with over 20 percent of the population engaging in tobacco consumption. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD) including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes.