Srinagar, May 10: The Government has directed district administrations to implement ban on smoking in public places and sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institution.
 The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Naseema Lanker in a letter to all Deputy Commissioners has asked them to implement “Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules 2008” under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA).
 The district administrations have been directed to activate the already constituted District Level Monitoring Committees constituted through order No: 210 HME of December 22, 2008 and regularly monitor the progress made in ban implementation.
 In its directions the Government asked the district administrations to initiate steps towards prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution of tobacco. It asked the district administrations to implement the COTPA in letter and spirit, particularly its two crucial provisions which include Section 4 and Section 6 (a) (b). “It shall be our endeavour to ensure that the provisions of the Act are implemented in letter and spirit,” the order said.
 The Divisional Commissioner said any violation of this Act was punishable offence with a fine of Rs 200. As per the rules issued public places must display in English or one Indian language a sign board of minimum size of 60cmx30cm with a white background containing the warning “No smoking area- Smoking here is an offence.”
 The order said that district administrations must issue directives to shops and retail outlets selling tobacco products to display prominently the signboards of 60cmx30cm stating “Sale of tobacco products to a person below 18 years is a punishable offence.”
 Emphasizing on the ban on sale of tobacco products in educational institutes, the order said, “Every educational institute shall have a board indicating sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products within its radius of 100 yards is strictly prohibited and punishable.”
 The order said the signboards should be displayed prominently at the entrance of public places, adding that in case there are more entrances, then they should be installed at each entrance and at conspicuous places inside.
 Government has also communicated the details of mandatory requirements of signage on March 4, 2009, vide SRO 394.
 Government has also asked the district administrations to take suitable steps for the implementation of the Act in the offices. The order has described public places as Auditoriums, Hospital Buildings, Health Institutions, Libraries, Amusement Centres, Restaurants, Hotels, Public Offices, Court Buildings, Educational Institutions, Public Conveyances, Open Auditorium, Stadium, Railway Stations, Bus Stops, Work Places, Shopping Malls, Cinema Halls, Refreshment Rooms, Discotheques, Coffee Houses, Pubs, Bars and Airport Lounges.
 The Central Government enacted COTPA on May 18, 2003, which is applicable to all states including J&K.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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