Karnataka Bans Smoking and Tobacco Use in All Government Offices

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued a directive prohibiting its employees from smoking or using tobacco products within public office spaces and on office premises.

According to a circular from the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR), employees found smoking or consuming products like gutka, pan masala, or weed (hogesoppu) in and around government offices will face disciplinary measures.

The DPAR highlighted that the use of tobacco products in public spaces is strictly forbidden under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act of 2003.

"It has come to the notice of the government that tobacco products are being consumed in public offices and their premises despite statutory warnings," the circular stated.

"In the interest of employees' health and to safeguard the public and other government staff from passive smoking, the use of tobacco products and smoking by any government employee is completely prohibited in a public office and its premises. Warning boards must be put up in appropriate locations", it added.