Three day campaign to nab tobacco violations in Punjab

More than 800 violators challaned for violation of anti-tobacco act/ban on chewable tobacco: Jayani

Chandigarh, March 25, 2015:  Punjab Health Minister, Surjit Kumar Jyani today said that raids on more than 1400 eateries & Pan/Cigarette Shops were conducted to check violations /Ban on chewable tobacco(Food Safety & Standard Act of India (FSSAI))/E-Cigarettes(Drugs & Cosmetics Act) /Hukkah Bars, in compliance to the directions of High Court COTPA/FSSAI which were being effectively implemented and monitored regularly at the state level.

As many as 800 violators were challaned during a special 3 day campaign which was conducted in all districts of Punjab to check use of Tobacco and Nicotine, Hukkah Bar and illegal sale of E-Cigarettes, Loose cigarettes and flavoured/scented chewable tobacco. First ever initiative in India, such campaigns would continue in future to protect the youth from abuse of tobacco/Nicotine, said Jayani.

The Minister has directed the Health officials to keep a strict vigil against sale of tobbaco for strict compliance of Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health said that compliance studies have been completed  in all districts of Punjab by School of Public Health PGI Chandigarh.

Hussan Lal, Secretary Health cum Commissioner, FDA said that a State Level Sensitization workshop for all District Health Officers, Drug Inspectors, Food Inspectors & SSP & Deputy Commissioner representatives has been held prior to a special campaign . The officers concerned were directed to send the reports to State Headquarter of this campaign.

He reiterated that  all kinds of chewable tobacco and sale of loose cigarettes is banned in Punjab and licence of a commercial establishment can be cancelled in case of violation of Tobacco Control Act as per latest notification of Punjab government. He appealed to common people to help Government in this endeavor.