At PU, wardens can challan you for smoking

CHANDIGARH: The puff brigade at ���smoke-free��� Panjab University that openly flouts the ban would have to be more wary before lighting it up. Officials of the varsity, including hostel wardens, have been authorized to issue challans against those who?re caught violating the provisions of Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act. And if they fail to do so, the hammer will fall on them as they would be penalized for the ���offence���.
Among the other PU authorities who have this license include the vice-chancellor, dean university instructions, registrar and dean students welfare. Earlier, this power was delegated to doctors at PGI and gazetted officers. A letter sent by the ministry of health and family welfare to Panjab University states that in the wake of prohibition against smoking in public places, which came into effect from October 2, 2008, PU officials are authorized to slap a fine of Rs 200 on first-time violators. The penalty would increase with subsequent breaches. While PU was declared a smoke-free campus long back, this step is an endeavour to make youngsters aware of the harmful effects of smoking.
Of the total 13 hostels at the university, seven are for boys. ���With wardens getting the power to issue challans against those found smoking in hostels and on campus, the ban will be implemented more strictly,��� said DSW Naval Kishore. To ensure that the ban dosen���t become a mere ���cosmetic��� prohibition, the wardens who don?t initiate action would be penalized for their ���oversight���.
According to information, a senate decision in 1994 had declared Gandhi Bhawan, Students��� Centre AC Joshi Library and open air theatre, among others, as smoke-free zones. However, this move was never implemented in its true spirit. Even the recent smoking ban has been openly violated on campus, with many youngsters being spotted with a cigarette at Students��� Centre and hostels on any given day.
���The drive will have an impact by re-enforcing the ban,��� said a PU professor. Also, with many shops continuing to sell cigarettes, this development could mean stricter adherence to orders.