Dear Editor,
The ban on smoking at public places is being rampantly violated in the city with several tea stall owners, near educational institutions, providing space for smokers, including students.
The nationwide ban on smoking at public places was imposed in October 2008, under the provision of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition and Advertisements and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution)-Act 2003.
But it seems that Ban confined to papers only as nothing on the ground level changed.
Vendors selling tobacco products outside hospitals and educational institutions are a common sight and the authorities tend to overlook violation.
It is a common sight to see people smoking at public places like bus stand, railway station and market places.
It is pertinent to mention here that in Jammu & Kashmir, ban seem to be confined to papers only and are not being implemented on ground level. This is the reason why all violations go unchecked and violators roam freely.
Through your esteemed daily, I would request the concerned to pay attention towards the grave issue and save passive smokers.
Suman Sharma,
Jammu.
