Punjab government today imposed a complete ban on sale of tobacco and other products related to it around educational institutions and religious places across the state.
Directions in this connection have been issued to the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to ensure forceful implementation of complete ban on sale of tobacco and other tobacco products near the educational and religious institutions under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003) in Punjab, Health and Family Welfare Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani said.
"The officers concerned have been especially asked to keep a close vigil near educational institutions, colleges and coaching institutes and schools and ensure complete ban on sale of single stick cigarettes and all kinds of tobacco products within 100 yards of these institutions," he said.
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A notification in this regard has also been issued by the state government, a statement, quoting the minister, said.
Anybody violating the directive would be dealt with strictly, it said.
District level monitoring committees have also been constituted by the health department which would inspect the areas under their jurisdiction and check whether any such small shops are functional near educational and religious institutions.
