As many as 342 persons were fined for smoking at public places by officials in Jammu and Kashmir.
"342 persons had violated the Prohibition of Smoking Act and were fined for smoking at public places in Jammu and Kashmir during the last six months," Health and Medical Education department officials said.
The Drug and Food Control Organisation, which enforces the ban on smoking at public places, has collected Rs 41,000 as fine from violators, they said.
The DFCO had inspected 4,759 public places during their drive.
Smoking is banned at public places under section 4 of Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products ( prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, production supply and Distribution) Act 2003, which was notified by the JK government on December 3, 2008.
Officers of various government departments have been empowered to compound the offence which carries a fine of Rs
200.
