Council passes Bill to ban smoking in public places

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, AUG. 3. The Legislative Council on Friday passed the Karnataka Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Health of Non- smokers Bill, 2001, after a lengthy debate in which most members expressed support for the provisions.

The Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. A.B. Maalakaraddy, pointed out that the Bill was essential to curb smoking in public places as it as affecting the non-smokers. He said one-third of 40,000 cases registered in the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology annually, was tobacco-related. He said the suggestions from the members to ensure compliance with the law would be considered.

Earlier, members of the House from all parties demanded a ban on the consumption of tobacco. Enacting such a legislation would be better than imposing a restriction such as a ban on smoking in public places, they said.

Dr. Maalakaraddy said that in order to protect non-smokers from the hazards of passive smoking, it was considered necessary to prohibit smoking in at least a few select places, such as public places, and also in public service vehicles. There was also a need to ban sale of cigarettes to children below 18 years of age, he added.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. K.H. Srinivasa, said legislation would be beneficial only if it was enforced properly. There were laws which only remained on paper. It was necessary to draft rules appropriately. While a ban on smoking in public places was welcome, it remained to be seen whether the authorities could enforce it. Among public places, it was important to ban smoking at railway stations, bus stands and arterial roads, he added.

He said that while the Bill sought to impose a ban on the sale of cigarettes to children below 18 years of age, it was also necessary to ban smoking by children.

Dr. M.P. Nadagouda demanded a ban on tobacco cultivation, and suggested that chambers for smokers be set up.

Dr. M.R. Tanga (BJP) and Ms. Umashree spoke of the harm caused by passive smoking. They said the link between consumption of tobacco and cancer had been proved scientifically.

Mr. M.S. Siddaraju (Congress) called for a ban on the manufacture and sale of cigarettes. Such a legislation would be more welcome than a ban on smoking in public places, he said.

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Section  : Southern States
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