Srinagar, Oct 25: The government today announced a ban on the entry of persons carrying cigarettes and other tobacco products in its offices in the Valley.
 “It has been observed that people including officials carry cigarettes and other tobacco products inside offices and are found smoking in public places. Smoking in these places has been banned by the government under Cigarette & Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition & Regulation of Trade & Commerce, Production, Supply & Distribution) Act 2003. It is therefore, ordered that no one shall be allowed to enter government offices with cigarettes and tobacco products,” the Divisional Commissioner, Dr Asgar Samoon said in a notification issued on Monday.
 Earlier, addressing a seminar on anti-tobacco organised by Voluntary Health Association of India in collaboration with Divisional Administration here, Dr Samoon said all necessary measures would be taken to make Kashmir smoke-free.
 “Special squads will be constituted for imposing fine on anyone found smoking in public,” he said and assured that all necessary measures would be taken for preventing sale of cigarettes to those under the age of 18 years.
 “Police and special squads will ensure that sale of cigarettes within 100 yards of education institutions is prohibited,” he said.
 Governor, N N Vohra’s message was also read out, wherein the need for discouraging the consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products was underscored.
 VHAI had filed a PIL in J&K High Court to ensure implementation of Section 4 and 6 of COTPA, which prohibits smoking in public places. Under the Act smoking in public places has been banned and any violation of this Act is punishable with fine up to Rs 200. Section 6 (a) of COTPA prohibits Sale of Tobacco & Tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age and Section 6 (b) of COTPA puts a ban on sale of Tobacco Products within 100 yards of Educational Institutions.
 The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Me’raj Ahmad Kakroo and Deputy Commissioner Budgam assured that efforts would be made to make their areas smoke free.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST