Karnataka News: The Karnataka government has implemented a ban on smoking and the use of tobacco products within public offices and their premises. This directive comes from the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR), which has warned employees that disciplinary action will be taken against those found using tobacco, including gutka, pan masala and hogesoppu.
The Deccan Herald report quoted DPAR stating that smoking and tobacco consumption in public spaces are prohibited under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003. Despite existing laws, the government noted that tobacco products are still being used in public offices. "The government has noticed that tobacco products are being consumed in public offices and on their premises, disregarding statutory warnings," the circular stated.
To protect the health of employees and the general public from the effects of passive smoking, the circular clearly states that all government employees must refrain from using tobacco in these settings. It also recommends that warning signs be displayed prominently in relevant areas to remind staff of the prohibition.
In separate news, the Karnataka Waqf Board has claimed ownership of 53 historic monuments across the state, including Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Bara Kaman in Vijayapura, and forts in Bidar and Kalaburagi, according to a report by Deccan Herald. In 2005, 43 monuments in Vijayapura were declared Waqf properties by the Board, but many have since been encroached upon or modified. An RTI response showed the Waqf Board used Record of Rights documents held by the ASI to make these claims, reportedly without ASI’s approval. Additional claims extend to monuments in Hampi, Bengaluru, and Srirangapatna.