If You want to smoke, smoke at home.” This seems to be the message Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss wants to give the nation by declaring a complete ban on smoking at the workplace.

“We are soon going to announce workplaces as smoking-free. People will not be able to smoke in hotels, restaurants, airports or offices. If one wants to smoke, he will have to do so in his house or on roads. Passive smoking is dangerous, why should a non-smoker bear the brunt?” the minister asked, elaborating on his new idea which will come into effect by the end of this year.

Earlier in the day, Ramadoss got the World Health Organisation (WHO) DG’s special award for his efforts towards tobacco control. Just before the ceremony, the Cabinet gave its approval to make it “optional” to use the depiction of skull and cross-bones on all tobacco products. The minister was in favour of making it mandatory, but the Government was apparently under pressure from the tobacco industry and many of its ministers. The Cabinet has now decided to amend Section 7(1) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply & Distribution) Act 2003.

After presenting the award to the minister, WHO South East Asia Regional Director Dr Samlee Plianbangchang said: “His deep commitment in effectively implementing various measures to ban tobacco is commendable. WHO acknowledges his contribution to safeguard the future generations from devastation.”

Dedicating the award to the people of India, especially those who have lost their lives because of smoking and could have been saved, the minister said: “It is just the beginning. In fact, one and half years ago, when I initiated the drive, some called me an idiot, others a fool. At least now they will see that whatever we had done was right. The day is not far when India will come together and say enough is enough.”