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"If one person is caught smoking, the fine would be Rs 5,000 for the institution, if two persons are caught it would be Rs 10,000 while if three persons are caught it would be Rs 15,000," Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday.
As part of the plan, the government is also planning to increase the fine on an individual smoking in public places from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000, he said.
Expressing concern over the increase in the number of smokers in the country, he said the ministry has recommended the formulation of a comprehensive Tobacco Control Policy and its effective implementation needs to be initiated.
"There is a need to increase awareness among teachers, students and community leaders," he said at the release of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey and Global School Personnel Survey for 2006.
Observing that the high prevalence of tobacco use among students and school personnel is alarming, the survey said indication of increasing use among girls in some regions is a matter of concern.
Between 2003 and 2006, the period under consideration in the survey reveals that smoking pattern did not change nationally among students in the age group of 13-15 years but significantly increased in the southern and northeastern region.
Currently use of tobacco products by students in the age group of 13-15 years other than cigarette has not decreased at the national level but has increased in the central region, the study said.
No significant change in current tobacco consumption by boys and girls was seen in two of the six regions in 2003 and in sale of tobacco to minors at the national level during 2003-06, it said.
It further goes on to say that overall prevalence of teaching in schools about the dangers of smoking has not changed but increased significantly in the eastern and northeastern region.
Exposure of students in the age group of 13-15 years to cigarette advertisements on billboards has not decreased significantly at the national level but has decreased in the northeastern region, in particular.
Percentage of free distribution of cigarette samples to the students of the age group of 13-15 years has also not decreased significantly at the national level including North but has increased in the eastern and southern region.
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While no one denies that India needs minimum healthcare, and basic things such as drinking water and indoor toilets, there is no that says that one should NOT do anything like this (about smokin) until you achieve those. However, more the rules, more he merry for our police. Indidual smoking in public must pay 1000rs. Good. I don't know about police in other states. But i know well about TN. their new slogan would be: If you go to court it will be 1000 rupees and if you pay 200 ruppes you could go away. Please see that "pay" as if it is NOT a bribe aptly told by TN police brothers. Not bad in a matter of an hour one guy could make as much as 1000 bucks..No wonder TAN police is the BEST police.
Ram Doss is Damn right.We must start being strict and law must do its role diligently.We do not want our youth to go the way of USA etc.Thanks Mr Ram Doss.
A good move by the health minister, it was long over due. Atleast there is fine in place now. But will be difficult to implement as usual. Am slightly surprised by the almost taunting like title of the article towards the health minister. I believe the writer must be a smoker. I thought he should have been complemented instead :)
An idle man is devil's workshop. Ramdoss is not worried about the poor state of health in India but he much worried about Shahrukh Khan and other people's smoking. First three years Ramdoss was after Dr. Venugopa and other Docs' all over India amd mow in the fag end of his ministerial berth he has started an other past time issue about smoking. Hope Dr. Ramdoss spend some time to improve the health sevices which are at the lowest level.
I would like to advise Prime Minister of India to CHANGE portfolio of Mr Ambumani Ramadoos. He should be swap with Mr Mani Shankar Iyer,Minister of SPORTS. Mr. Ramdoss will make us get rid of KPS Gill and Hockey will get a encouraged lease of life and Country will get rid of him. It will not be practically possible what he desires to impose fine to large number of People. But good he can speak any thing he likes and he can do any thing in his present Ministry he desires. No body dares to object or advice any thing sane.
and they should make you the chief health advisor to the PM. Wait, you passed your SSLC-IAS with flying colors right? ha ha damn idiot 'advise the PM'?
This sounds amazing and really nice if followed. In Himachal govt. has banned smoking in office, but there is no one to check. There is urgent need for body on pattern of information commission to check adn implement the ideas of Mr. Ramodoss, but any way these are really a brave statements by a polotician. Keep it up sir.
I cannot believe this. In India drinking and smoking is glorified.It is annooying when you walk in public spaces smorkers do not give too hoots about others.I wish this "smoking police" are hired by millions to police it- a good form of employment creation.Also whilst at it how about doing something about urinating, shiting and rubbish throwing in all the piblic places. Policing this would also create huge employment.Chake De India
What will be the case of a govt. office , if any employee smokes . Who has to pay the penalty ?!!!! Govt ? or Individual ? If Individual then from which account ? Salary ?
What will be the case of a govt. office , if any body smokes . Who has pay the penalty ?!!!!
What nonsense! how can the minister intrude into privacy of an individual
Hon'ble Minister, Bravo. Very few can take bold decisions with out expectations. All wise and society concerned people are with you above all the Almighty suppors from all corners. Regards, Shivaram, BangalorePS: IF THESE RULES ARE MADE APPLICABLE SPECIFICALLY FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE OF GREAT SERVICE.