Haryana government bans sale of tobacco and intoxicating substances within 100 yards of schools

Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], October 2 (HBTV): Haryana's Directorate of School Education has banned the sale of tobacco, gutkha and other intoxicating substances within 100 yards of all schools in the state.

According to a circular issued by the directorate, block education officers, block resource centres, and principals or headmasters have been instructed to monitor activities related to the sale of such products near schools under their jurisdiction. The circular further stated that in case of violations, the Gram Panchayat and the nearest police officer should be informed immediately so that prompt action can be taken to stop the sale.

In 2024, the Haryana Assembly passed a bill prohibiting the operation of hookah bars and banning the serving of hookah in any public place in the state under The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Haryana Amendment Bill, 2024.

As per Section 21-A of the law, individuals found violating Section 4-A, which forbids running hookah bars, face imprisonment of up to one year, which may extend to three years, along with a fine of INR 1 lakh, which may extend to INR 5 lakh.

Earlier, on August 29, Chief Minister Nayab Saini emphasised the government’s commitment to making agriculture sustainable and profitable while addressing the 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi. He underlined that innovations and technologies adopted in Haryana’s agriculture sector could also be replicated in Africa.

(ANI)