“A fine of Rs 200 will be impose upon those found smoking at public places in the State Capital,” said Collector Avinash Lavania on Thursday. The Collector made the above remarks while addressing a meeting of all officials at the Collectorate. Lavania said, “To make youth aware of the fatal consequences of tobacco consumption, launch an anti-tobacco awareness campaign in State Capital.” “Charge a fine of Rs 200 on people smoking at public places like government offices, library, hospitals, stadiums, shopping malls, private offices, court premises, railway stations, cinema halls, restaurants, waiting rooms, public transport, educational institutions and others,” he said.

 

Lavania has directed that the advertisement of all types of tobacco products is prohibited. Selling and consuming tobacco products to minors is prohibited as well as shops of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions are banned. A pictorial health warning on 85% of the packing is mandatory for all tobacco products. “Ensure effective implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme in the district and the effective implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 to protect the citizens from tobacco disaster, it is imperative that activities for tobacco control in any way to intervene so that we can effectively implement the National Tobacco Control Programme,” the Collector has said. Awareness should be raised about the addictive and harmful nature of tobacco products and information about any interference by tobacco vendors and industries with tobacco control policies.

 

The Collector further added, “If a representative wants to have a meeting with a public servant to promote tobacco use, then in such a situation the matter may be brought to the notice of the higher officer in writing before making any contact or correspondence with the representative.” The Collector also said that all Government officials, employees should not be involved in activities promoting tobacco products. Do not participate in any type of programme that directly or indirectly promotes tobacco use.