1k fine for smoking in public, hookah bars banned in state
1
2
Ranchi: Smoking, consuming or spitting tobacco in public will now be punishable worth Rs 1,000 courtesy a new law to which President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on Wednesday.
The Raj Bhavan, in a statement, said Murmu had given her assent to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) (Jharkhand Amendment) Bill of 2021'.
The bill was passed by the state assembly in 2021. Aimed at putting tighter curbs in place for sale and usage of tobacco items in the state, the new law will come into effect soon after the state govt notifies it in an official gazette, officials said.
Following the amendment, a fine of Rs 1,000 will be imposed for smoking or consuming tobacco or spitting. Earlier, the fine was Rs 200. Besides the penalty, provision for jail term is also included.
The amendment also covers hookah bars banning its operation. Hemant Soren govt had introduced and passed the amendment bill in 2021 following a thorough debate in the state assembly. Then Gomia MLA from Ajsu party, Lambodar Mahto, had demanded a fine of Rs 10,000 for offenders during the debate over the bill, which was turned down by the state govt.
Ranchi civil surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar said the district health department will begin enforcing new law after receiving directives from state. "Even though the administration and health department has taken steps under COPTA rules, we will begin imposing fresh penalties on violators after formal directives from govt," Kumar said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
20 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Defence Minister to release President's speeches compilation today
New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will release a collection of President Droupadi Murmu's speeches, 'Wings to Our Hopes - Volume 2' in the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex here in Delhi on Monday, a release from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said on Sunday. As per the release, 'Wings to Our Hopes--Volume 2' is a carefully curated collection of 51 speeches, offering a window into President Murmu's vision, philosophy, and priorities during her second year in office (August 2023--July 2024). Compiled by the Rashtrapati Bhavan and published by the Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this volume follows its predecessor in chronicling the evolving discourse on governance, inclusivity, and national aspirations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will release the second volume of the President's speeches, both in Hindi and English, along with an e-version, at a function in the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex on June 23rd, the release said. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and L. Murugan, Union Minister of State of Information and Broadcasting, will also grace the function. The books have been painstakingly prepared by the Publications Division. As a leading publishing institution of the Government of India, the Publications Division has been bringing out books on various subjects of public interest, national freedom movement, culture, art and literature and has been also instrumental in documenting the Selected Speeches of Presidents and Prime Ministers of India since eight decades, the release added. (ANI)
India Gazette
20 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Rs 264 crore to be spent for more new 30 schools: Tripura CM Saha
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 23 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday that the state has already started adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in every sector and informed that 30 new schools will be set up with an expenditure of Rs 264 crore. While addressing a felicitation programme for secondary and HS passed students under Ramnagar Mandal, CM Saha said that during examinations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducts Pariksha Pe Charcha, where he emphasises how to remain stress-free during exams. 'The way he gives direction and speaks -- following the same approach, we also interact with students and share insights with them. As a result, we have seen a significant reduction in stress levels. I don't think such initiatives are happening anywhere else in the world. Even through the Mann Ki Baat programme, he connects with people. The work of PM Modi will be scripted in golden letters in history, and someday, research will also be conducted on it,' he said. CM Saha, who is also the education minister, said that AI has already been introduced to the state in this digital era. 'Students have to depend on themselves and keep learning. Through yoga, one can understand oneself. Especially if students practise yoga, it will be highly beneficial. We must engage in exercise so that our minds remain sharp. When PM Modi came, he began reviving ancient practices that were once well-known in India. I have seen many medical students working in the health sector doing exceptionally well, even attending the OT using AI. Earlier, we relied solely on textbooks, but now smart classes are available. The youth of our state are brilliant and should not leave the country. As PM Modi says -- those who have knowledge will run the country, and there is no limit to knowledge,' he said. He added that the Education Department has taken several steps, including the introduction of the NCERT curriculum, Super 30, and others. Bicycles have also been distributed to girl students. Around 44 schools have received new buildings. 'In the 2024-25 financial year, infrastructure development in around 350 schools will be carried out with an expenditure of Rs 80 crore. In 2025-26, another 30 new schools will be set up, and Rs 264 crore will be spent', he added. (ANI)
Hans India
27 minutes ago
- Hans India
Bhatti asks babus to shore up non-tax revenues
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to redouble efforts towards increasing non-tax revenues. Chairing the 'Infrastructure and Capital' Sub-Committee meeting on Sunday at the Secretariat, alongside members N Uttam Kumar Reddy and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Bhatti emphasised the importance of mobilising central funds in addition to improving non-tax revenue. He noted that the government is currently implementing new welfare schemes worth Rs 33,600 crore without discontinuing any programmes from the previous administration. He also highlighted that during the financial year 2023–24, revenue from the Outer Ring Road and excise duties could not be generated as anticipated. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti stressed that budget allocations are currently uneven across departments, with some receiving excessive funds while others are underfunded. He instructed that the budget be distributed equally among all departments and that expenditure disparities be minimised. All major pending projects across constituencies must be completed based on priority, he said. He urged officials to allocate and utilise budget funds based on the needs and priorities of the state. Departmental expenditures should be rationalised, and a strong focus should be placed on revenue generating departments. Expenditure, he asserted, should only be incurred when necessary, and the state must adhere to a realistic and logical spending pattern. The Deputy Chief Minister further directed that all departments operate in alignment with the ideals of public interest, development, and welfare as envisioned by the people's government. He stated that equal development across departments is essential for the overall progress of the state. He also ordered that the rationalisation process be completed within the next ten days and that comprehensive plans be prepared accordingly. The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, Principal Secretary (Finance) Sandeep Kumar Sultania, and senior officials from various departments.
