Srinagar, March 19 (Scoop News) – Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon caught Tehsildar Uri (Executive Magistrate 1st Class) Mazoor Ahmed Bhat and P.A. to SDM Uri, Abdul Rashid smoking in his office complex.
The officers were counselled about the ill effects of smoking and a fine of Rs 200 was compounded from each of them. They were both warned to desist from smoking in public places in future. Div Com also asked the officers to be more responsible, as the post of Tehsildar is very important in administration. Divisional Commissionerquestioned that if senior officers of the rank of Tehsildar do not adhere to laws then how they they be expected to enforce the laws.
Meanwhile, Div Com has again issued instructions to all HODs/Deputy Commissioners/MDs of Public Sector Undertakings to ensure strict implementation of the provisions of the Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, which prohibits smoking in public places, including all Government offices of the State and initiate appropriate action by the authorised officers against the defaulters for any such violation.
Section 4, of the Act puts a ban on smoking in public places, Section 6 (a) prohibits sale of tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age & Section 6 (b) prohibits sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institution.
Deputy Commissioners and Heads of Departments have been instructed to install a sign-board of minimum size 60 cm by 30 cm of white background containing the warning “No smoking Area–Smoking here is an Offence”, in English or one Indian language, to be displayed at all public places, including Government Offices. Instructions have also been given to also display a sign-board, which contains the name & designation of person to whom a complaint can be made, in case someone is found violating the law. The sign-boards should be displayed prominently at the entrance of the public place, in case there is more than one entrance, then it needs to be installed at each such entrance and also at conspicuous places. If the building has more than one floor then sign-boards needs to be installed at each floor, including staircases and entrances to lifts.
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