The Punjab Government on Wednesday said strict action will be taken against the smokers at bus stands or in buses. The State Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar has issued directions to all District Transport Officers (DTOs) of the State to strictly enforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) which is primarily concerned with cigarette and other tobacco substances.
“Under the Food Safety Standards Act, the Punjab Government has totally banned the use of gutka and other eatables which use nicotine or tobacco substances. Similarly, under the Drug and Cosmetic Act, nicotine in chemical form for example e-cigarettes has been banned too,” said Kohar.
The Minister instructed the transport department officials that hoardings and boards be placed in bus stands and buses and instructions regarding prohibition of smoking at public places be written on them. He asked the General Managers to strictly instruct the bus stand in-charges to increase vigil in their respective domains to punish the violators in accordance with the law.
“I will personally be conducting checks at the bus stands or buses and if anyone found indulging in smoking then the onus will be on general manager and he will be proceeded against as per rules,” he said. Pointing that under Section 4 of COTPA, smoking at public places has been totally prohibited and violation of this will result in a fine of Rs200, Kohar asked the DTOs to ensure compliance with the norms of COTPA and send monthly report to the head office.