Kanpur aims to become tobacco-free by May 31; shops raided

Police and district officials today raided shops selling tobacco products near different schools and hospitals here, with an aim to make the industrial city tobacco-free by end of May.
"Oath to give up tobacco items was administered at different government offices here. District administration is also mulling to impose a fine of Rs 200 on those found consuming tobacco products," District Magistrate Roshan Jacob said.
"All efforts are being made to make the city tobacco-free by May 31. Raids were conducted outside government hospitals and schools after which shops selling tobacco products were removed and their items seized," he said.

On January 26, areas adjoining all schools and colleges in the district were declared tobacco-free zones.
"It was also ruled that anybody including teachers and students found chewing or smoking tobacco products inside or within 100 metres of school or college campus would be fined Rs 500, which would be realised immediately," Jacob said.
Also all magistrates of the district have been asked to carry out raids near all schools in their respective areas and close down shops selling tobacco items, the DM said.
Officials have also been asked to check the areas near schools and colleges from time to time and extract fines from anyone chewing or smoking tobacco products there, Jacob added.