The Karnataka Government has instituted a strict ban on smoking and the use of tobacco products within public offices and on their premises. This directive, issued by the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR), underscores that smoking, chewing gutka, pan masala, and even the use of cannabis (hogesoppu) within government offices will no longer be tolerated.
The circular specifies that employees found in violation will face disciplinary action, with public offices expected to display prominent no-smoking signs to reinforce compliance.
The DPAR highlighted that this measure aligns with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003, which restricts tobacco use in public places, although recent reports indicate that violations persist within government buildings. The DPAR’s circular points out the harmful impact of tobacco exposure, noting that passive smoking puts non-users at risk and compromises a healthy workplace environment.
This policy follows Karnataka’s recent legislative steps, including a state-wide prohibition on hookah bars, backed by significant penalties. Under the revised COTPA, violators of the hookah bar ban face imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, the state has enacted a ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions and raised the minimum purchase age for tobacco products to 21.
Those who breach the proximity rule face fines of up to Rs 1,000, furthering the government’s commitment to curbing tobacco-related health issues across Karnataka.
