In a recent enforcement drive by the Goa Anti-Tobacco Cell (GOACAN) in Vasco, serious violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, were uncovered at key public locations, including the Vasco Post Office and Vasco Railway Station. The GOACAN team found that both sites lacked the mandatory "No Smoking" signage required under Section 4 of COTPA, which prohibits smoking in public spaces and mandates prominent display of warning signs.
This absence of basic legal compliance raises questions about the accountability of central government agencies. GOACAN Convener Roland Martins expressed concern over the negligence, stating that government-run institutions are failing to uphold the law and, in doing so, are weakening public health efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use and protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke.
COTPA clearly outlines the requirement for designated public places—including railway stations, post offices, government offices, hospitals, and educational institutions—to display “No Smoking” boards as part of nationwide efforts to curb tobacco consumption. Failure to do so is not only a legal violation but also hampers the enforcement of anti-smoking rules.
Despite numerous enforcement drives and thousands of cases booked across Goa in recent years, many public institutions continue to fall short of full compliance. The Vasco incident is indicative of the larger gaps in implementation, especially within facilities managed by the central government.
Health advocates are calling for intensified awareness campaigns, staff training, and regular monitoring to ensure all agencies fulfill their responsibilities under COTPA. The Vasco inspection underscores the need for stricter and more visible enforcement measures to create and maintain smoke-free public environments.
Ultimately, the responsibility to lead by example lies with public offices. Their compliance—or lack thereof—can significantly influence public behavior and the overall success of tobacco control initiatives in the state.