Tobacco Cell To NGOs: Share Fund Information

Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell has directed all NGOs to seek approval from the competent authority before executing any kind of anti-tobacco activity in Delhi.
 

The department has instructed that NGOs, seeking international funding, has to disclose the project and funding details to the state government before starting any work in Delhi.
 

The department issued the circular after Socio Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS) wanted to work with Delhi government in tobacco control. A senior official said that despite repeated reminders by State Tobacco Control Office for the past seven month, the NGO failed to disclose the project and funding details under Bloomberg Fundings.
 

"We welcome all NGOs and activist for anti-tobacco work. "Our only concern is to have transparency in financial matters so that the good work done by any one does not become questionable on any ground. Delhi government today tops in tobacco control activities in the country then how can we deny any body to work in tobacco control, a wrong perception being taken by some anti-tobacco activists," said Dr SK Arora, head of Delhi State Tobacco Control Programme.
 

"As per operational guidelines of National Tobacco Control Programme, GOI, during collaboration with NGO, an MOU has to be signed between State Tobacco Control Cell and NGO with disclosure of all details of project with all terms and conditions. Why NGO wants to hide the details of project and funding which should be always transparent. NGO wanted to work on policy matter which is not within the mandate of NGO as per operational guidelines of NTCP, GoI," said Dr Arora.
 

Deepak Mishra, Director, SEEDS told Mail Today: "We have sent our clarification to the principal secretary (health), Delhi government. We are doing tremendous work in anti-tobacco control activities in Bihar and Jharakhand. Results are good in both the states. This attempt is to defame our organisation before we begin work in Delhi. As far as, disclosing project and funding details, Union home ministry looks after it, not the state government."
 

Sanjeev Khirwar, health secretary of Delhi government told Mail Today: "We are investigating the matter related to the circular issued by the tobacco control department. Most likely, the 'order' will be withdrawn."