Police Chiefs Told To Ensure Effective Implementation Of COTPA

Chandigarh, April 30, 2015: The Punjab Bureau of Investigation has issued instructions to all police chiefs deputed in the field to ensure the proper and effective implementation of Tobacco Control Act in letter & spirit.

In a communiqué circulated by Director, Bureau of Investigation to all Commissioners of Punjab, Senior Superintendents of Police, AIG Patiala, AIG State Crime Police Station, SAS Nagar to enforce all provisions under COTPA. He said that steps being taken to implement this act would be regularly reviewed and monitored in the monthly crime review meetings. He said that the collection of violation related data, monitoring of Poisons Act 1919 regarding the sale of Nicotine in chemical form and violation of section 144, if promulgated against Hukkah Bars, would also be reviewed.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Secretary, Sarvesh Kaushal had also dispatched a separate communiqué to all Deputy Commissioners for strict execution of COTPA/FSSAI/Drugs and Cosmetic Act.

Giving information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that this exercise would give a boost to the resolve of the state to control abuse of tobacco and nicotine in chemical form. He said that Punjab Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani had recently reviewed the current status of COTPA and asked to step up activities in this regard. He said that the Minister had also asked the authorities concerned to seek the active participation of all the public departments and civil society including social and religious organisations to help ensure forceful implementation of Anti-Tobacco law COTPA across the state.

The Spokesman informed that the state has issued notifications for the cancellation of licenses of commercial establishments in case of violation of COTPA besides a ban on flavoured/scented tobacco, declared e-cigarettes as illegal, with a complete ban on the sale of loose cigarettes/tobacco. He said that it has also been notified to ban tobacco shops within 100 yards of all educational/religious institutes. He said that instructions have also been issued to Vice Chancellors of all varsities to ensure their campuses and colleges are tobacco free.

The spokesman also informed that the Deputy Commissioners were also asked to hold monthly meetings with tobacco wholesalers and dealers to sensitize them about the new notifications.

He said the Whatsapp no. of the police department 7696181181 should also be publicized amongst the general masses on a large scale to get reports of violations of COTPA/FSSAI/Drugs and Cosmetics Act, so that necessary action could be taken.