Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2009:
In connection with enforcement of Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008 in Manipur, the State Government has designated all the DDOs as the Authorised officers competent to act under Section 4 of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Product (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 which states that 'No person shall smoke in public places'.
In his regard, a circular issued by the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare V Vumlunmang has directed all the Authorised Officers/DDOs to affix/paint the No Smoking signs at prominent places in their offices so that complaints may be submitted in case any person is found violating the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Riles, 2008 .
The circular further explained that each DDO is authorised to incur upto Rs 1000 from the OE/Other relevant debitable head of account for display of No Smoking signs in their offices.
This exercise should be completed by June 6, 2009 and report the matter to the HoD concerned and the Director of Health Services, the circular added.
It may be recalled here that Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008 had come into effect on October 2, 2008 .