Mohindra asks DGP to ensure implementation of antitobacco laws
Thursday, 10/08/2017
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CHANDIGARH: Punjab health and family welfare minister Brahm Mohindra on Tuesday asked the state DGP that the Punjab Police must own responsibility to ensure the strict implementation of anti-tobacco/nicotine laws in the state.
He added that police was an important stakeholder for effective implementation of the ban on flavoured/scented Chewable Tobacco, Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), Juvenile Justice Act and Sections 268, 269 & 278 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for Tobacco Control in Punjab.
He added that the DGP had been asked to issue necessary directions to districts regarding strict implementation of all AntiTobacco/Nicotine laws.
The minister added smoking and spitting at public places has been banned under Sections 268, 269 and 278 of IPC in the state.
On the basis of the compliance assessment studies done by the PGIMER, Chandigarh in 2017, 16 districts out of 22 has been declared as high COTPA complaint.
The government had banned the sale of e-cigarettes and Hookah Bars were also on the radar of health authorities, the minister said, adding that strict action will be taken against those selling flavored tobacco.
