Punjab: districts told to enforce anti-tobacco law

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

Instructions have been issued to the districts to accelerate surveillance to nab the offenders red-handed. The district administrations have also been given the mandate to book such law-breakers and take punitive action on the spot.

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

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