Bengaluru: Karnataka government implemented a directive banning its employees from smoking or using tobacco products in government offices and on their premises. This decision is part of the government’s efforts to safeguard the health of employees and protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The move comes after concerns were raised over the use of tobacco products despite existing legal warnings.
In a circular issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), the government said that it had received reports of tobacco consumption in public office spaces. Employees were found using various tobacco products, such as cigarettes, gutka, and pan masala, within these government offices. The circular noted that despite the statutory warnings already in place, tobacco use continued, leading to health risks.
Complete ban on tobacco products in public offices
The government emphasised that tobacco use in public offices is detrimental to both the employees’ health and the well-being of other staff members due to passive smoking. To address this issue, the new directive strictly prohibits smoking and the use of any tobacco products within government buildings and their surrounding premises. The circular also mentioned that to ensure this rule is followed, warning boards would be placed in prominent locations across all government offices, reminding employees of the ban.
The directive also makes it clear that any government employee found violating this ban will face disciplinary action. This includes penalties for anyone caught smoking or using tobacco products in any form in government offices.
Disciplinary action for violations
This new rule is in line with existing national and state legislation aimed at controlling tobacco use. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003, already prohibits tobacco use in public spaces. Additionally, Rule-31 of the Karnataka State Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 2021, restricts the consumption of intoxicating substances in public areas.
