Anti-tobacco law hardly implemented

Patna: Bihar has the dubious distinction of being one of the highest consumers of tobacco products. But the government doesn't seem to be serious about controlling the menace. According to recent cumulative figures of the State Tobacco Control Cell, none of the districts of the state could fine even 25% violators of anti-tobacco law COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act).

Only 2,028 'challans' were issued across Bihar in four months from August to November in 2014. In Kerala and Karnataka, at least 7,000 'challans' are issued every month. Officials of police, drug control and food safety departments not below the rank of sub-inspector can issue 'challans'.

Section 4 of the Act prohibits smoking in public places and violator can be fined Rs 200 by the manager of the public place or designated officials. Section 6 prohibits sale of tobacco products to minors and in 100 yards' area of any educational institute. Most of the 'challans' in the state are issued under Section 4.

Buxar, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Saran and Sheohar did not file a single 'challan' . This despite the fact that a series of letters have been sent right from the level of chief secretary as well as principal secretary and secretary of health department to all the district magistrates to implement the law.

Eight other districts achieved the 'challan target' by less than 1%. They include Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhojpur, Jehanabad, Jamui, Kaimur, Nawada and Rohtas. A target is the calculated number of 'challans' issued against the estimated number of cases of violations.

In the four-month period, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Kaimur, Jamui, Jehanabad, Bhojpur, Begusarai and Aurangabad issued less than five 'challans' each. Araria, Arwal, Darbhanga, Gaya, Banka, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Lakhisarai, Saharsa, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Siwan and Vaishali districts could not fine even 100 violators during the period.

Poor rate of violation was discussed at length at the State Tobacco Control Coordination Committee meeting held in the State Health Society of Bihar on Tuesday. Principal secretary (health) Brajesh Mehrotra said all nodal officers for tobacco control must be sent an SMS alert every month about monthly review of 'challans'. Additional executive director Rahul Kumar said the department would send a letter to all BDOs and COs who would be made responsible for the implementation of law.

Deepak Mishra, executive director of SEEDS, said smokeless tobacco products, including 'khaini', 'zarda' and paan masala, are the biggest troublemakers for the state as pointed out in studies, including that of WHO.