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Efforts on to check violation of the anti-smoking Act

PUDUCHERRY: Smoking in public places and advertising tobacco products would no longer be possible in Puducherry. The Health Department is all set to strengthen the implementation of the anti-smoking Act through regular checks and effective monitoring.

In an effort to ensure the proper implementation of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2004, the department would soon bring in full-fledged measures to check on smoking in public places, sale of tobacco products to minors and other non-compliances with the provisions of the Act.

“Tobacco companies should not come out with any advertisement for the products. The products should carry a picture denoting that it is dangerous to health. We have initiated this plan and have sent it to the Secretariat for approval,” Deputy Director, Public Health Subbarayulu Naidu said.

In fact, he said committees at the State and district levels would be formed to ensure proper implementation of the Act. The proposal had been sent to the government. The State-level committee would be at Puducherry, while Yanam, Mahe and Karaikal would have the district-level committees, he added.

Soon, the executing officials under the Act would be notified and they would have the power to enter, search and seize tobacco products in case of violations. “We have sent a proposal to the government to appoint senior food inspectors and food inspectors for the job. The implementation would be done once the notification appears in the gazette,” officials said.

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