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

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

A warning board to this effect will be displayed at appropriate places in the offices, the statement said.

Disciplinary action will be taken against any government employee who smokes or consumes tobacco products (gutka, paan masala etc.) in office or office premises in violation of these instructions, he added.

Smoking and consumption of other tobacco products are injurious to health and consumption of such products in public areas is completely prohibited under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertising and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Manufacture, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 , circular note.

Rule-31 of the Karnataka State Civil Service Conduct Rules, 2021 also prohibits consumption of any intoxicating liquor or substance in a public place, it further pointed out.

(With inputs from PTI)