Punjab Government has asked its all district police chiefs to ensure effective implementation of the anti-tobacco law. Punjab Bureau of Investigation (BOI) on Sunday issued instructions to all the districts police chiefs deputed in field to ensure the proper and effective implementation of Tobacco Control Act in true spirit. In a communiqué circulated by Bureau director 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 were being taken to implement this act and it 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 sale of Nicotine in chemical form and violation of section 144 if promulgated against Hukkah Bars, would also be reviewed.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal had also dispatched a separate communiqué to all Deputy Commissioners for strict execution of COTPA/FSSAI/Drugs and Cosmetic act. This exercise would give a boost to the resolve of state to control abuse of tobacco and nicotine in chemical form, said government spokesperson.
He said that Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani had recently reviewed the current status of COTPA and asked to escalate the process in this regard. He said that Minister also asked the authorities concerned to seek active participation of all the public departments and civil society including social and religious organisations to witness forceful implementation of Anti-Tobacco law COTPA across the State.
Spokesperson informed that the State has issued notifications for the cancellation of licenses of commercial establishments in case of violation of COTPA besides ban on flavoured or scented tobacco, declared e-cigarettes as illegal with a complete ban on loose cigarettes or tobacco. He said that whatsapp number of police department (76961-81181) should also be circulated for general masses on large scale to get reports of violation of COTPA, FSSAI or Drugs and Cosmetics Act, so that necessary action could be taken.