Raipur District Collector Dr Basavaraju reminded the officials about the ban imposed on smoking in public places, government offices, school and college premises and asked them to conduct surprise inspection, and to take stern action against those who violate the prohibitory order.
Raipur district collector along with Raipur North MLA Kuldeep Juneja chaired the meeting of District Level Tobacco Control Coordination Committee, constituted under National Tobacco Control Programme in collectorate conference hall on Tuesday.
Collector said with increased consumption of tobacco poroducts, the risk of life-threatening diseases is increasing. The officials should take action under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COPTA) and create awareness, if needed.
During inspection, the collector said, officials have to take care that juveniles are not being sold tobacco products. The statutory warning sign about the ill-effect of tobacco products should be displayed properly, failing which fine should be imposed.
At public places, “No Smoking Zone” or prohibited area board should be installed. The 100 yard radius of educational institutions should be made tobacco free area by banning sale of tobacco products. Children of both private and government schools be made aware on side effects of tobacco and its product uses.
Collector added that head of government departments should ensure their employees do not use tobacco products and fine be imposed for violating the norms.