Mysuru:  For effective implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the District Administration has warned legal action on educational institutions for violating guidelines of COTPA. The District Surveillance Office, National Tobacco Control Programme has been asked to check illegal sale and consumption of tobacco products in the vicinity of educational institutions.

Addressing a meeting of officers in that context at his office here on Saturday, ADC T. Yogesh said that selling tobacco products within 100 yards radius of educational institutions is an offence and asked heads of institutions to display boards to that effect near the campus.

Yogesh asked the District Surveillance Officer to check illegal sale of imported cigarettes at shops. District Surveillance Officer Dr. Kusuma disclosed that 474 cases of violation of COTPA had been registered in the district during 2017-18 and a fine of Rs.85,390 had been collected.

The meeting discussed on points to implement COTPA effectively and suggested the authorities concerned to issue a trade licence only after ensuring that a signboard on COTPA regulation was displayed at the shop or establishment seeking licence. District Health Officer Dr. Basavaraj, MCC Health Officer Dr. Ramachandra and others attended the meeting.