President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Bill 2021 passed by the Jharkhand Assembly. This means that individuals caught smoking in public spaces within the state will now face a fine of ₹1,000. The fine, previously ₹200, has been increased fivefold following the Presidential assent. The state government has been actively pursuing this bill, and its implementation across the state is expected soon.
The bill, which was passed by the Jharkhand Assembly and sent to the President through the Governor for approval, has now received the green light. A press release from the Raj Bhavan Secretariat confirmed the increase in fines and also highlighted that selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 21 is now a punishable offense.
The Hemant Soren-led government passed the amendment bill in March 2021. Prior to this amendment, the fine for smoking in public in Jharkhand was ₹200, which has now been increased to ₹1,000.
The bill also prohibits the consumption of tobacco or its products in public spaces and classifies selling tobacco to those under 21 as a punishable offense. Furthermore, the Jharkhand Cabinet had previously approved a proposal to ban hookah bars in the state, with violators facing imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
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