Karnataka issues guidelines for use of fines collected under tobacco control law

The State Health Department has issued revised guidelines for the proper utilisation of fines collected under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, in Karnataka.

Under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), implemented as part of the National Health Mission, authorised officers are empowered to levy spot fines on violators of COTPA. The fines collected are to be deposited in a joint account operated by the Deputy Commissioner and the District Health and Family Welfare Officer.

According to the latest circular issued by the Health Commissioner on Tuesday, the fine amount should be used exclusively for tobacco control activities at the district level. District Tobacco Control Cells have been directed to prepare annual action plans outlining the use of the funds, which must be discussed and approved by the District-Level Coordination Committee (DLCC), chaired by the Deputy Commissioner.

At least 70% of the fine amount should be used for strengthening tobacco de-addiction services. The permissible activities include the purchase of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) drugs and equipment such as CO monitors and spirometers, conducting training programmes and workshops, implementing tobacco-free educational institution and village guidelines, and undertaking IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaigns., according to the revised guidelines.

Districts have also been instructed to maintain proper records and submit annual audit reports as per NHM norms. Any proposal involving expenditure of more than ₹1 lakh from the fine amount will require approval from the Commissioner, the circular stated.

The order further clarified that the fines collected under COTPA are to be treated as additional funds and can be used only after fully utilising the regular annual allocation provided under the NTCP.