Rajasthan ban on smoking could go up in smoke

Rajasthan ban on smoking could go up in smoke
PRADEEP KAUSHAL

JAIPUR, JULY 31: The Rajasthan government has bitten off more than it can chew in imposing a ban on smoking at public places from tomorrow. In its enthusiasm, it has banned all advertisements promoting cigarettes on TV and in newspapers and magazines in the state.

The ban, Minister of State for Medical and Health Rajendra Choudhary, said at a Press conference here today ``would also apply'' to all TV channels and newspapers and magazines outside the state though he could not say anything about the mechanism he proposed to adopt to enforce it.

``No cricket matches sponsored by any cigarette manufacturing company in Rajasthan,'' he thundered though he could not give any satisfactory answer to a volley of questions on how he could prevent these companies from getting publicity from matches played outside but seen in the state. His defence was: ``We would write to the Centre and seek its cooperation.''

Choudhary took refuge behind a stock reply: ``I know it is difficult, but I have called this press conference only to seek your cooperation.'' When reporters pointed out that even if well-intentioned, the measure would be difficult to implement, Choudhary stood his ground and said it would not be so ``only if you cooperate.''

Suppose somebody smoked in a restaurant? ``We would haul up the manager,'' the minister replied. In a government office? Choudhary said it would be the head of the office.

The minister said ever since Ashok Gehlot became Chief Minister, he had beenkeen on checking people from taking intoxicants. Asked if the governmentplanned to ban liquor also, Choudhary remained non-committal and said liquoradversely affected the health of the person who consumed it while smokingundermined the health of non-smokers too.

The public places listed in the official notification issued include government offices, courts, hospitals, cinema halls, restaurants, auditoria, stadia, banquet halls, monuments and public vehicles but excludes open spaces.

The notification was issued under the Rajasthan Prohibition of Smokingand Non-Smokers' Health Protection Act which came into effect on May 11, 2000. The Act bans advertisements related to smoking at places of public work or use. Though the Act requires identification and declaration of places of public work or use, the government is yet to do so. Choudhary said it would be up to the heads of the department to do so.

Selling of cigarettes or bidis to a minor is now prohibited. Nor would any cigarette shop or vend be allowed within 100 metres of a school or any other educational institution. The offender, to be tried ``summarily'', will have to pay a fine ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 and could be imprisoned for a maximum of three months.