All universities, colleges in Punjab to be tobacco free

Chandigarh, Feb 9: All private and government universities and affiliated colleges in Punjab will be tobacco free zones, a senior health official said Monday.

Vini Mahajan, principal secretary, health and family welfare, asked the vice chancellors of all private and government universities in the state to take steps to declare the institutions tobacco free.

Principals of affiliated colleges, government and private, have also been asked to ensure that the institutions are made tobacco free zones.

In a written communique, Mahajan asked them to implement COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003) firmly.

She said Punjab was the first state in India to ban the sale of loose cigarettes (as single sticks) to discourage smoking.

Mahajan said no shop or outlet selling tobacco should be allowed within 100 metres of any educational institution.

IANS