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It’s all smoke, no fire on Day One

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Express News Service Posted: Oct 03, 2008 at 2329 hrs IST
Related Stories: DU: smoking down by 5 per cent among men, .5 per cent among women141 people fined for smoking in publicnot Just a fine, smokers pay for every puff tooNo smoke without ire: In Gurgaon, corporates say stub it or face wrath
New delhi, October 2: The Day One of the Union health ministry’s ban on smoking in public places turned out to be an anti-climax. Though Delhiites scrambled to roads and balconies to sneak in a drag, the anti-smoking squads were nowhere to be seen — Thursday being a national holiday.

Dr R P Vashisht, head of the State Tobacco Control Cell, said: “Most public spaces were shut, so we didn’t challan anyone. But people will have to be careful from tomorrow.”

As per the ban, smoking has been prohibited in all places to which the public have access — auditoriums, health institutions, Government buildings, restaurants, courts, public transport, stadiums, railway stations, bus stops, workplaces, shopping malls, refreshment rooms, discotheques, pubs and airport lounges.

The ban will not cover open spaces but will be applicable at bus stops and shelters.

While the health department has about eight squads to implement the ban — imposed in the Capital since 1997 — the figure may be doubled.

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“Given the huge task at hand, we are planning to constitute eight more squads. These will be visiting all places and people will be challaned if found flouting norms,” Vashisht added.

As per the National Tobacco Control Act, anybody found smoking will be fined Rs 200.

As per the figures provided by the health department, since 1997, the squads have managed to challan 88,456 people and have raided 91,066 public spaces.

While no one was fined in 1997 despite 545 raids, the squads fined about 1,131 defaulters in 2008 after raiding 1,319 places.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, meanwhile, had taken the lead by declaring the entire campus a smoke-free zone a day before the ministry deadline.

The guards at the campus have reportedly been given the additional responsibility of ensuring the ban.

The president of DUSU, Nupur Sharma, too welcomed the ministry’s move. “Last year, we put a ban on smoking. So the fresh ban will not make much of a difference. But now, anyone can be fined for smoking in a public place. This will make the ban more effective,” she said.

Manoj Pant, the Campus Development Committee chairman in Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the university has banned smoking in the academic complex, classrooms and libraries. The committee will now put up circulars banning smoking in common rooms and games rooms.

Restaurants yet to feel the heat
While the city was divided over the blanket ban, most pubs and restaurants have switched to the no-smoking mode. “We used to have a smoking section at our cafe earlier. But from today, we have made the entire place a no-smoking zone. Smokers are however allowed to go to the terrace,” said a spokesperson at Market Cafe in Khan Market.
Thursday being a dry day, most restaurants are yet to feel the pinch. “We have made the area a no-smoking zone, but there have been less people walking in. So we haven’t received any complaint or felt a dip in the business yet,” said a spokesperson at QBA in Connaught Place.

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View all Messages [ 10 ]
Self Discipline is what we lack! by Refuge on 2008-10-03 21:25:51.335677+05:30
I think it is good way to start,,people can go on and on saying ban this first and that first.. but you have to start somewhere. Yes, we should ban spitting.. but again.. we should move slowly.. I am sure that will be his next one. There are always people who lack self discipline and say that they won't follow any rule. Tell me what rules do Indians follow? Do they stand in line for the buses (Except mumbai).. do they follow traffic laws? Do they follow anti corruption laws? NO! The problem is our constitution has all the laws but there is no one to excecute them and even if they do.. How many people will follow? If people go to places like Singapore.. they follow the rules there.. they don't spit or smoke in public places.. why can't be like that for a change on their own? Cultivate some self discipline people!!!!!!!
Let's Do This Time by Praveen Kumar on 2008-10-03 20:05:20.869403+05:30
This ban ought to be implemented in order to keep the the premises of the public places free of any unhealthy atmosphere.But more important is how far the government is implementing it and let's hope that this effort truly bears success.
Smoking Ban by V Nehra on 2008-10-03 19:10:29.347131+05:30
What is the compulsion for a Govt to pass an order which cannot be enforced? How about a ban on spitting pan juice, urinating and defecating in public.
No smoking by Dare devil on 2008-10-03 16:10:14.225124+05:30
what a tulglaq decission, is it dangerous than ediotic politicians or terrorists.This Ramdas is an ediot.
Implementation of the smoking ban by Baba Handa on 2008-10-03 15:00:03.505291+05:30
As Indians we need to out grow the old sentiment that only authorities are responsible for implementing a given law. It is the people themselves who must through peer pressure bring about the desired change. There is so much defiance in our psyche, rather childish and silly and we need to break out from this behaviour and do things that are right and not because of fear of retribution by the authorities. It will help improve our quality of life.
Smoking Ban by Michelle Sharma on 2008-10-03 14:08:54.588705+05:30
If Ramadoss is so interested about the public's health, he should first shut down the Tobacco Selling Companies, then when there is no tobacco available, people will automatically give up all tobacco products, but he’s not going to do that cause most of the revenue comes from there and this fining stunt will only add to the Government’s treasure chest which in turn will add to the politicians pockets. He should stop the peeing around all over the Country and spitting too, this is what actually leads to destroying the environment
Smoking by chanakya on 2008-10-03 12:19:59.899218+05:30
Is smoking so awful than homosexuality
Smoking Ban by Hindusthani on 2008-10-03 05:39:31.519696+05:30
Why not ban also spittings at very many places and impose similar fines? Even places of worships are not spared by these disgusting spitters; they are fast turning India into a mega spittoon; this is a disgusting situation; even from buses, motor cycles, cars, Sumos etc. such spittings are done by well-dressed people with mobile phones. Who will educate/punish these fellows and when? And these fellows constitute a very big majority of voters!
it's all smoke, no fire on Day one by somanath kanthi B.E.,LL.B on 2008-10-03 01:19:17.163881+05:30
Laws to prevent smoking1. Any person being a public servant, apparently, indulge in intaking drugs shall be terminated from his public service before hearing.2. person responsible to prevent drug intaking, on his irresponsibility shall be terminated from his responsibility before hearing.
Smoking by Ningshen Wungreihor on 2008-10-02 23:33:05.472098+05:30
Banning on smoking in public place is a good start to ban other chewing tobacos soon. Banning on Pan and other chewing Masalas will make our city looks brighter, cleaner and healthier
View all Messages [ 10 ]
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