ADC (D) HOLDS SPECIAL MEETING OF WHOLESALE DEALERS, DISTRICT TASK FORCE
NewZNew (Bathinda) : The sale of loose beedi and cigarettes and e-cigarettes is banned in Punjab and selling the same is an offence, stated the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma while presiding over a meeting of the tobacco wholesale dealers and that of tobacco control district task force convened today. He said that no shopkeeper can sell loose cigarettes or the e-cigarettes and strict action could be taken against them under COTPA Act.
He added that Punjab was frontrunner in banning sale of loose beedis and cigarettes and e-cigarettes in the country. Besides this, the tobacco manufacturing companies have started selling electronic cigarettes, which is ten times more harmful than the usual cigarette. He appealed the wholesale dealers to educate retailers working under them regarding this.
Later, while addressing a meeting of the tobacco control district task force committee he said that the sale of tobacco and its products within 100 sq yards radius of an educational institution was strictly prohibited. Similarly, no shopkeepers can install glow sign or any advertisement bill board promoting tobacco sale or usage. Mr Sharma added that no shopkeeper can provide matchbox, lighter or any other aide for burning cigarette of beedi and if someone does so, action would be taken against him or her under the COTPA Act. He also added that it was a crime to sell tobacco or its products to children below 18 years of age.
Speaking at the event, the assistant civil surgeon Dr Raj Kumar said that Bathinda district was declared tobacco smoke free in the year 2013. Under this checking is done in district to ensure that various sections of COTPA Act are complied with and those found using tobacco in public places are challaned. He added that not only the tobacco users, albeit women and children around them too are exposed to the harmful fumes of tobacco. 70 percent of cancers are caused due to tobacco and tobacco usage is main cause of cancer.
District health officer Dr Raghubir Singh Randhawa, DFSC Mr AP Singh, senior medical officers and other district officers were present at the meeting.
