Date:26/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/26/stories/2008092654830400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Now it’s smokers’ turn to get challans

Ramya Kannan

CHENNAI: The State government has hit upon a system of issuing challans for violation of the Tobacco Control Act from October 2, similar to fine challans issued for traffic violations.

While the functional rules are being evolved, it is proposed to involve all government departments in the exercise to implement stringently all aspects of the Act, Health Secretary V.K.Subburaj told The Hindu.

A squad, comprising not less than three members, will be formed for issuing the challans. It is likely to have representatives from Health and Police departments. It will go around public places and institutions to check for violations such as people smoking in public places and tobacco products being sold within 100 metres of educational institutions.

“The intention is not to conduct a witch hunt and punish people indiscriminately. It will be more of an awareness campaign that will make smokers reconsider their habits,” Mr. Subburaj said. The first step would be to conduct mass media awareness campaigns highlighting the salient features of the Act and indicating what the violations were and what punitive action they would attract. People would have no option but to comply with the law, and there would be no soft pedalling in its implementation.

Just as in traffic violations, a form will have to be filled in triplicate and violators will get the challan for a fine of Rs.200. If they are unable to pay on the spot, it can be paid later at the treasury bench, Director of Public Health S. Elango said. “Even our squads will provide a warning to smokers first. If this does not deter the smoker then a fine will be levied. The funds from this exercise will go into the treasury,” he added.

Discussions are on to decide the exact composition of the squad, unique to each district. Health inspectors and food and drug inspectors have already been authorised to take action under the Act.

While the health department will be the nodal implementing agency, an exercise of this scale would necessitate the co-operation of all government departments, non governmental agencies and the public, Mr. Subburaj added.

Health Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam will announce the detailed rules in the next few days.