Maharastra govt to prevent gutkha, cigarettes in school areas

Mumbai: Concerned about the availability of gutkha products in school and college premises, Maharashtra Government has decided to strictly prevent it.

The state government has given authority to principals and the institutions' heads to fine gutkha and cigarette sellers within 100 meters of the premises of the institute.

"According to a provision in the Cigarettes and other tobacco products Act, 2003 (COPTA), sale and advertisement of tobacco and related products are banned within 100 meters of
educational institutes and airports. But it was not strictly implemented  so far," Minister of State for Home Satej Patil said.

There are 26 authorities other than police including school principals and librarians who can fine upto Rs 300 for anyone violating the law and the Government is just making the
people aware of it, the minister said.

The Government would launch a special campaign from January in school and college premises making students aware about the hazards of the tobacco products, he said.
The Minister will also request the Urban Development Department to amend the Shops Act so that shop licenses would not be given to gutkha sellers within the 100-meter limit.