Karnataka Bans Smoking and Tobacco Use in All Government Offices

Bengaluru: Karnataka government has issued a directive prohibiting its employees from smoking or using tobacco products within public office s and on office premises.

According to a circular from Department of Personnel & ministrative Reforms (DPAR), employees found smoking or consuming products like gutka, pan masala, or weed (hogesoppu) in and around government offices will face disciplinary measures.

DPAR highlighted that use of tobacco products in public s is strictly forbidden under Cigarettes and Or Tobacco Products (Prohibition of vertisement and Regulation of Tre and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act of 2003.

"It has come to tice of government that tobacco products are being consumed in public offices and ir premises despite statutory warnings," circular stated.

"In interest of employees' health and to safeguard public and or government staff from passive smoking, use of tobacco products and smoking by any government employee is completely prohibited in a public office and its premises. Warning boards must be put up in appropriate locations", it ded.