Arunachal Officials Penalize 11 Shops During Doimukh Trade Enforcement Drive

Itanagar: Officials in Papum Pare district conducted a joint enforcement drive in Doimukh this week, targeting shops that failed to comply with trade and tobacco regulations. The team focused on the areas surrounding the Government Higher Secondary School in Doimukh and the Government Middle School in Rono.

Led by Circle Officer Nyalisa Raji, the inspection team included representatives from the Trade and Commerce Department and local police. The sweep resulted in penalties totaling Rs 3,000 for shops operating without valid licenses or with expired permits. Across the inspections, eight businesses were found unlicensed, while three others possessed expired documentation.

The operation also addressed the illegal sale of tobacco products near schools. Authorities seized various tobacco items from shopkeepers who violated the mandatory 100-yard buffer zone. Officials warned that repeat offenders will face harsher consequences, stating, "Shop owners were instructed not to stock, display or sell tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions."

Beyond issuing fines, the administration hosted an awareness program for local merchants. The team provided guidance on the legal requirements for obtaining and renewing trading licenses and emphasized the need for a tobacco-free environment near campuses. Officials warned that businesses failing to comply with future inspections could face closure.