Imphal, May 24 2009: With the Government of Manipur all set to enforce the act "Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places, 2008", all the head of Departments under the Manipur Government have been asked to display the campaign tags, "No Smoking" in the offices by June 6, 2009 .

An official source today said that the State Government has also designated all the DDOs (Drawing and Disbursing Officers) of all Government Departments as authorized offices competent to act under section 4 of the cigarettes and other tobacco products (prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) Act, 2003 .

It states, "No person shall smoke in any public place".

State health department has issued the necessary orders.

A meeting under the chair of state chief secretary held on May 20 last has taken various decisions with a view to enable prompt implementation of the Act and Rules of the "Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places, 2008" .

Apart from designating all the DDOs under state government as authorized officers competent to act under section 4 of the cigarettes and other tobacco products, they have been authorized to impose and collect the fine against the violation of section 4 .

Section 21(1) of the Act states whoever contravenes the provisions of section 4 shall be punishable with fine which may extend to Rs 200.The authorized officer shall issue a challan and deposit the fine to Government revenue head of account with TR-5 receipt.

DDOs have been asked to comply with the Act, the source said.

The authorized officers/DDO were also asked to affix/paint the no smoking signs at prominent places in the office as per instruction provided to the guidance sheet for implementation prepared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The display which will also indicate the name of the authorized officer so that complaints may be submitted in case some one is found violating the prohibition of smoking in public place rules should be completed by June 6, 2009 and report to the head of Department concerned and the director of health services.

The prohibition will also enforce at other 'public places' as defined in the Act and Rules which include all places visited by general public including public conveyances/bus stops/airports, hotel/restaurants/shops, hospital/health institutions, educational institutions, court buildings, cinema halls/auditorium, stadiums etc.

Suitable instructions to these establishments by the government departments or agencies should be issued by June 6, 2006, the government decision stated.

State transport department will be responsible for the enforcement of the Act and Rules of probation of smoking at public conveyances/bus stops/airport, Education Department (school and higher education cover all educational institutions (both Government and private), Law Department covers all court buildings, MAHUD covered hotel/restaurants/shops/cinema halls and auditorium and Youths Affairs and Sports Department will be responsible for enforcing it at sports stadiums and halls.

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