Chandigarh, Feb 3 (IANS): The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on sale of tobacco and tobacco products around educational and religious institutions around the state, a minister said Tuesday.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani directed deputy commissioners of all districts to ensure forceful implementation of the directive to impose complete ban on sale of tobacco, cigarettes and other tobacco products near the educational and religious institutions under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003) in Punjab.

He said that a notification in this regard has also been issued.

"The officers concerned have been especially asked to keep a close vigil near educational institutions, colleges and coaching institutes, schools and ensure complete ban on sale of single stick cigarettes and all kinds of tobacco products within 100 yards of these institutions. Anybody violating the directive would be dealt with strictly," he added.

Jayani said that any existing shops selling these products should immediately be closed.