SRINAGAR: The State government Thursday banned the sale of cigarettes and all other tobacco products within hundred yards of all the hospital premises in Srinagar.
The ban has been put in place by District Magistrate, Srinagar, Farooq Shah, to ensure patient care.
Medical Superintendents of all the hospitals have been directed to ensure the implementation of the ban.
In another significant order, the DC has ordered cancellation of the registration of shops that are found selling tobacco products to children below eighteen. Products like Gutka, Khaini or Pan Masala that contain a certain percentage of tobacco also fall within the purview of the ban. No sale of tobacco products is allowed within hundred yards of the school premises. In case of violation by any shopkeeper, the heads of the educational institutions have been asked to furnish details of such shopkeepers to Chief Education Officer, Tehsildar and the concerned SHO for immediate action.
The orders were on the representation made by A.M.Mir, IAS, former Executive Director J&K Voluntary Health Association (JKVHA), VHAI New Delhi and members of civil society. JKVHA pleaded before the District Magistrate Srinagar.
Under section 6 of Anti-tobacco Act (COTPA), the sale of tobacco products within hundred yards of all educational institutions is banned. The organizations had also pleaded before DC to cancel the registration of any shop violating Section 6(a) of COTPA which prohibits sale of tobacco products to children below eighteen years.
Srinagar has become the first district in India to ban the sale of tobacco products near hospitals or educational institutions.
These people friendly measures have been highly appreciated by JKVHA, VHAI and members of civil society have appreciated the anti-tobacco measures by the district administration, hoping that other magistrates would issue similar orders in their districts and ensure a strict implementation.
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