The State government on Wednesday imposed a ban on sale (including online) and use of e-cigarettes in the State, based on the recommendations of the State high powered committee on tobacco control.
A notification in this regard has also been issued on Wednesday. Battery powered cartridges are used in e-cigarettes to produce a nicotine-laced vapour.
Two years ago, the State Government had imposed a similar ban on sale and use of gutkha and paan masala. According to a member of the high powered committee, Karnataka is the first State to impose such a ban. “Punjab, Maharashtra and Chandigarh had earlier passed enforcement orders towards unapproved sale of e-cigarettes,” the member said.
Addressing presspersons here, Health Minister U T Khader said the sale of nicotine, apart from tobacco products under Control of Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), is permitted only for tobacco cessation in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. “However, this clause is being misused by companies. It is unfortunate that e-cigarettes are sold in medical shops and even online,” he said.
“We have taken a decision to ban the sale (including online) and use of e-cigarettes after getting a feedback that a large number of youngsters in the state are being addicted to e-cigarettes. Moreover, it is another way of advertising smoking,” he said adding that continuous use of e-cigarettes could lead to nicotine addiction and tobacco smoking.
The Minister said officials from the Drugs Control Department would initiate measures to strictly enforce the ban with immediate effect. “Criminal action will be initiated anyone found violating the ban,” he added.
Beauty saloons under scanner
Mr Khader said the Health Department would soon come out with a policy to regulate the functioning beauty saloons that hire doctors and conduct hair transplants in the saloons.
“We have learnt that most saloons are indulging in such practices, which they are not permitted under law. They would have only taken a trade licence from the BBMP. They have to compulsorily register themselves under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act if they want to take up medical procedures,” he said.
