<p>Smoking in public places including auditoriums, railway stations, bus stands, hospitals, courts, administration buildings, hotels, libraries and education institutes is banned, reminded D N Lohith, RTI activist, speaking to Deccan Herald. <br /><br /></p>.<p>“Yet, we cannot find any ‘No Smoking’ signs put up in such places. Also, business of cigarette and gutka vendors thrives near renowned, government, aided and unaided schools and colleges,” he added.<br /><br />Doubts on fines<br /><br />“People smoking in public places can be fined Rs 200, legal action can also be taken against them. I had asked, using the RTI Act, how many people had been fined or faced legal action for such acts, but the officers in the departments concerned failed to provide information. I have serious doubts about any action being taken against the guilty,” said Lohith.<br /><br />World Anti Tobacco Day today<br /><br />Awareness campaigns are conducted every May 31, observed as World Anti Tobacco Day, to spread information about the ill-effects of using tobacco products. The message of WHO, which has a theme every year, is that tobacco is only business. There is also a campaign to spread awareness about various aspects of the industry on an annual basis.</p>
<p>Smoking in public places including auditoriums, railway stations, bus stands, hospitals, courts, administration buildings, hotels, libraries and education institutes is banned, reminded D N Lohith, RTI activist, speaking to Deccan Herald. <br /><br /></p>.<p>“Yet, we cannot find any ‘No Smoking’ signs put up in such places. Also, business of cigarette and gutka vendors thrives near renowned, government, aided and unaided schools and colleges,” he added.<br /><br />Doubts on fines<br /><br />“People smoking in public places can be fined Rs 200, legal action can also be taken against them. I had asked, using the RTI Act, how many people had been fined or faced legal action for such acts, but the officers in the departments concerned failed to provide information. I have serious doubts about any action being taken against the guilty,” said Lohith.<br /><br />World Anti Tobacco Day today<br /><br />Awareness campaigns are conducted every May 31, observed as World Anti Tobacco Day, to spread information about the ill-effects of using tobacco products. The message of WHO, which has a theme every year, is that tobacco is only business. There is also a campaign to spread awareness about various aspects of the industry on an annual basis.</p>
