Srinagar, Sept 14: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir has declared all polling stations in the Union Territory as smoke-free zones in preparation for the Assembly Elections 2024.
This decision follows a communication from the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, advocating for tobacco-free polling stations. An order issued by the CEO states, “The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA-2003) is enforced throughout India, including Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of India’s new rules, effective from May 30, 2008, aim to realize smoke-free environments as stipulated under Indian law.”
The move aligns with the Government of India’s regulations and the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), which emphasizes protection from second-hand smoke. According to officials, the COTPA Act has been in force since October 2, 2008, providing protection from exposure to second-hand smoke.
The order mandates all District Election Officers (DEOs) and Deputy Commissioners in J&K to enforce this directive and ensure that polling stations are designated as smoke-free zones. “Given the harmful effects of passive smoking on the public, especially women and persons with disabilities (PwD) voters, it is crucial to ensure that all polling stations are smoke-free for the General Elections to the Legislative Assembly 2024,” the order specifies.
DEOs are also instructed to display ‘NO SMOKING AREA’ signage at the main entrance of polling stations on election day and ensure no smoking inside the premises.
An official from the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) stated that limiting tobacco use is essential for a healthy environment. “We anticipate a healthy polling environment and hope it will reflect positively on the electoral process,” the official said. Notably, Jammu and Kashmir became the first state in India to implement smoke-free polling booths during the Lok Sabha elections, following a similar initiative.
