n a bid to protect children from the use of tobacco/Nicotine addiction, alcohol and psychotropic substance, Punjab Government is all set to initiate massive campaign in strict compliance of the “Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2015” (J.J. Act) and “Cigarette and other Tobacco Product Act 2003” (COTPA) across the state.Giving details today, Minister for Health & family Welfare Mr. Brahm Mohindra said that venders selling tobacco, alcohol and psychotropic substance (addicting products) to a minor must be booked under Juvenile Justice Act 2015. He said that order has been issued to the district authorities to take strict action against erring venders and it must be ensured that they should not escape scot free at any cost. He said that health and other concerned departments would jointly carry out the campaign to aware the young students and general public.Mr. Mohindra further said that according to Section 77 of Juvenile Justice Act, "Whoever gives, or causes to be given, to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, would be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and would also be liable to a fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees.
Divulging more, Minister said that according to this Act, “child” means a person, who has not completed eighteen years of age. He said that GoI has passed Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2015, which has become enforceable from January 15, 2016 across the country. Though, necessary directions have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners, Police Commissioners and SSPs to ensure strict compliance of J.J. Act 2015 especially related to abuse of tobacco and other addicting products. The district authorities also asked to submit the monthly action taken report to the state authorities.Ms. Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Punjab said that recently, a team lead by ACP, Jalandhar registered an FIR under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 against a tobacco vendor, selling Tobacco products to a minor. It was the first case registered in Punjab. Earlier, similar action has been taken in Maharashtra and Haryana. He said that accused venders, who sell tobacco and psychotropic products to the minors, would be caught under this campaign.Dr Rajiv Bhalla, Director Health Services, Punjab said that exemplary punishment to accused, who sells tobacco products to anyone below 18 years, will definitely reduce the number of tobacco users among young children. According to ‘Global Adult Tobacco Survey Report’ (2009-10), 1, 60,000 minors (under 18) begin using tobacco every year in Punjab and 42% of Tobacco users start using tobacco before 18 years of age. He said that J.J. Act, 2015 would go a long way in deterring young children & youth from initiation & also motivates current users to quit.