MARGAO: The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) took suo moto cognizance of the pan masala billboards on the banks of River Mandovi and directed the Block Development Officer (BDO), Bardez, to immediately remove them. It also directed the Director of Panchayats and Director of Municipal Administration to promptly issue a directive to all panchayats/municipalities, to withhold permission for pan masala billboards in their respective villages/cities/towns.
This directive was given at a hearing conducted by the Commission with the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Block Development Officer, Bardez, and after thorough consideration of the current circumstances.
In the order, GSCPCR stated that the advertisement has raised significant concerns as it represents a clear violation of both Section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
“This action is of utmost importance due to the acknowledged health risks associated with pan masala, particularly concerning children. Swift measures are required to address the appeal of these advertisements to the younger demographic, with the goal of preventing a potential increase in pan masala consumption among children and promptly mitigating associated health risks,” the order read.
The Commission warned that failure to comply may result in further legal actions as per provisions under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and added that the order is issued with utmost concern for the well-being of children.
“This decision is in line with our commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in Goa. The directives aim to address urgent concerns regarding the display of pan masala billboards and their potential impact on public health, particularly among children,” said Peter F Borges, GSCPCR Chairperson.
The Commission also highlighted two key concerns in the order.
The first was regarding protecting Children from tobacco’s consequences. “Recognizing the significant impact of tobacco on the developing bodies of children, heightened by prominent advertisements, the Commission emphasizes the risk of long-term consequences. Banning surrogate advertising becomes crucial to shield children from negative health effects associated with tobacco,” said GSCPCR.
The second concern was regarding the normalisation of tobacco through urban advertising. “Urban tobacco advertisements normalize tobacco for children, increasing the risk of early experimentation. Banning such advertising is crucial to prevent negative influences, combat addictive substances in pan masala, and avert long-term addiction among children,” GSCPCR added.
