In a significant development, the Karnataka government on Thursday banned its employees from smoking cigarettes and consuming tobacco products in government offices and premises. The circular issued to this effect by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) warned of disciplinary action against violators.

“The consumption of tobacco products in government offices and administrative premises, despite legal warnings against it, has attracted the attention of the government. In this context, in the interest of the health of staff and to protect the public and government employees passive risks smoking, it is completely prohibited for any government employee to consume tobacco products, including smoking in government offices and premises,” the circular said.

A warning sign in this regard will be displayed at appropriate places in the offices, it said.

Disciplinary action will be taken against any government employee found smoking or consuming tobacco products (gutka, paan masala, etc.) in the office or office premises in violation of these instructions, he adds.

Smoking and consumption of other tobacco products are harmful to health and consumption of these products in public places is completely prohibited under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertising and regulation of trade, production, supply and distribution), notes the circular.

Rule 31 of the Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, also prohibits consumption of any drink or intoxicant in a public place, it further pointed out.

(With inputs from PTI)