Date:21/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/21/stories/2008032154331200.htm

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If you smoke, the office has to pay a fine

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The government proposes to impose a fine on institutions allowing their staff to smoke within their premises. A penalty of Rs 5,000 will be levied per person on the institutions

Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss told reporters here on Thursday that the government was also planning to increase the fine on an individual smoking in public places from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000.

On West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya smoking in the “no-smoking” Writers Building in Kolkata, Dr. Ramadoss said as a leader he should set an example to others. “He [Mr. Bhattacharya] is a senior person and does not need my advice [on quitting smoking],” he said.

Releasing the “Global Youth Tobacco Survey and Global School Personnel Survey,” for 2006, Dr. Ramadoss said the Ministry had recommended drafting of a comprehensive Tobacco Control Policy to prevent the increasing instance of smoking. He advocated the need to increase awareness among teachers, students and community leaders against smoking and use of tobacco.

Grim picture

The survey presents a grim picture of the prevalence of tobacco use among students, including girls, and teachers. Smoking among students in the age group of 13-15 years has increased significantly between 2003 (when such last survey was released) and 2006. The increase was more in the south and north-eastern region.

The use of tobacco products by students in the age group of 13-15 years other than cigarette had also increased in the central region, the study said.

Despite a ban on sale of tobacco to minors, no significant change was seen between 2003 and 2006. There has also been no change in tobacco consumption by boys and girls.