Mysuru: People who are found smoking and selling tobacco related products including cigarettes at educational institutions, colleges will have to be ready to pay a fine of Rs 200 to Rs 5000 or face imprisonment for two to five years.
The Mysuru District Anti-Tobacco Cell which has taken up the responsibility of implementing Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) from August last year is going all out in its effort to implement the act effectively across the district; from November to December, the cell conducted four raids and has registered 53 cases.
In order to the act more effectively, the cell is expected to conduct surprise checks and raids at institutional premises in the coming days. According section 4 of COTPA act 2003, first time offenders found smoking inside 100 yards of educational institutions will be imposed with a fine of Rs 200. Section 4 of Tobacco Control Act 2003 prohibits smoking in all public places. According to Section 5 of the same act, advertisements promoting cigarette and tobacco products are also prohibited and violators would be fined Rs 1000 or face two year jail term. Section 6 recommends punishment with a fine of Rs 5000 on manufacturers and Rs 200 for others. According to section 7, 8, 9, distributors will have to pay a fine of Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000 if tobacco products do not contain warnings or pictures indicating health hazards.
Within a span of two months, apart from public places the cell also visited 49 schools and colleges and conducted various awareness programs and workshops. The cell also takes up counseling for those addicted to tobacco, especially those involved in smoking besides imposing fines. Nearly 99 people have undergone counseling at Tobacco Cessation Centre set up at KR Hospital so far.
Dr Kusuma, District Nodal Officer for Mysuru District Anti-Tobacco Cell and also District Surveillance Officer, District Health Department said “We have taken up various awareness programs about anti-tobacco drive. During the drive we have fined the violators and also warned many people. In days to come there will be no such warnings. With the help of local police we will be taking up the drive. The awareness program will start from fifth standard students. In days to come more such awareness program will also be undertaken”. Schools and Colleges who want more awareness about COTPA or anti-tobacco act and parents whose children need attention of counselors can contact Mob: 8095423889.
