Every health institution in Haryana would now have a transparent drop box at the entrance gate to enable the staff and visitors to park their tobacco and related products before entering the premises.

Besides, drivers and conductors of Haryana Roadways buses would be imparted training and made conscious of the need to stop and check smoking in buses. A decision to this effect was taken at the state level coordination meeting and orientation workshop under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) chaired by Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Amit Jha on April 12. It was also decided that sign boards would be put up at public places and in roadways buses telling people that smoking is prohibited. These sign boards would carry number and address of the authorities concerned so that any complaint could be lodged with them.

The meeting was informed that all departments would appoint Nodal Officers to implement provisions of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003. Apart from this, they would also put up sign boards in their offices and spread awareness among the staff members. It is pertinent to mention here that sale of tobacco products has been prohibited within 100 yards of educational institutions to avoid their adverse effect on students. Officers of the Development and Panchayat Department have been directed to spread awareness among office-bearers of Panchayati Raj Institutions and panches and sarpanches to put a check on the use of tobacco products in rural areas.