Tobacco consumption falls in Bihar: Study

PATNA: The number of people consuming tobacco in different forms across the state has come down even below the national average. It was revealed at an orientation workshop organized by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of state police in Patna on Thursday.
The DSPs of all district police headquarters took part in the workshop to ensure effective enforcement of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA), 2003.

ADG (CID) Vinay Kumar said the percentage of people consuming tobacco in different forms in Bihar was earlier around 53.5%, but it has come down to 25.9%, according to a central government study.

“The percentage population now consuming different forms of tobacco is even less than the national average of 28.6%,” he told TOI. Kumar said the DSPs and government rail police (GRP) officers attending the workshop were directed to intensify the drive to slap fines on those found violating the COTPA rules.

“The officers were directed to effectively enforce COTPA across the state to bring down further the percentage of people consuming tobacco,” he said, adding sub-division level campaigns would be taken up soon.

The ADG said the COTPA enforcement cells of police, with the help of respective administration, collected Rs15 lakh as fine in the last three years. He said a COTPA cell headed by an inspector rank officer functions at the state police headquarters to monitor and ensure its effective enforcement.

“People must know that smoking at public places is liable for a spot fine of Rs200. One can’t advertise tobacco products as it is prohibited under law,” he said, adding if anyone is caught or seen doing advertisement of a tobacco product, he would attract an imprisonment of two years or Rs5,000 fine or both.

“None can sell tobacco products near educational institutes,” he said, adding now more emphasis would be laid to keep children and minors away from tobacco products. “Not showing caution advertisement at cinema halls and selling cigarettes without 85% pictorial warning and roping children and minors in tobacco business attract punishment under COTPA. Cigarettes without warning must be seized,” he said and added that emphasis would be laid on spreading awareness about the law even in remote areas of the state.

Kumar said the Act has a provision for separate smoking area at a hotel having more than 30 rooms or any restaurant with the seating capacity of more than 30 people.