Accountability fixed to enforce tobacco law

The Punjab government has fixed the accountability of the district administrations to enforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 in the state with an iron hand.

The Punjab government has fixed the accountability of the district administrations to enforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 in the state with an iron hand.

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Instructions have been issued to the districts to accelerate the surveillance in every nook and corner of the district to nab the offenders red handed. The district administrations have also been given mandate to book such law brokers and take punitive action at the spot.

Under the COTPA, a person can be fined up to Rs 200 for smoking at public places and the institutions, manufacturers or individuals are also liable for punishment for advertising tobacco products under the act, a spokesman here stated.