Date:01/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/01/stories/2004060101151900.htm

Back Plea to create awareness on passive smoking

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , May 31

A DELEGATION, comprising leading oncologists and women organisations, has appealed to the Central and State Governments to join hands with non-governmental organisations and other private players to create awareness about the dangers of passive smoking.

In a representation submitted to the Governor, Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, here on Monday, marking the World No Tobacco Day, the delegation asked the Governor to see to it that the law banning smoking in public places was implemented effectively.

The delegation comprised Mr Vijayanand P. Reddy, Director of Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Ms Meera Shenoy, State Project Adviser of Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (Velugu), and Ms Shobha Dixit, past President of Ladies Circle India.

Expressing concern on the fallout of passive smoking on children and non-smokers, they suggested that passive smoking be included in the school syllabus. "Tobacco manufacturers should take up the job of creating awareness on the ill-effects of passive smoking," the members said.