Hike public smoking fine: State to Centre

Medicos plan unique campaign

The state government has proposed to the Centre to hike the fine on smoking in public places from Rs 200 to Rs 2,000.

Bengaluru Urban district Tuberculosis and Tobacco Control Officer Dr G A Srinivas said the increase in fine was an urgent need to combat the health risks posed by tobacco.

He was speaking at a workshop organised to spread awareness of the dangers of tobacco consumption.

“Besides Karnataka, many states have recommended an increase in fine and amendment to The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003. This is necessary to create an environment to facilitate an end to public smoking,” he said.

Anti-tobacco awareness campaigns will be held at government hospitals in the limits of Bengaluru Urban district, community health centres as well as 100 primary healthcare centres.

Students at the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute will take up a unique campaign in which those smoking in public will be given a rose and told about the health hazards of tobacco.

“Cigarettes and tobacco products affect even those who are not consuming them. It has been decided not to accept funds from tobacco companies for community development programmes,” he said.

District Health Officer Dr L S Chandrakiran said the tobacco crop, grown in Hunsur, Piriyapattana and Arakalgud taluks, drains the fertility of the land. “Moreover, 5 kg to 8 kg of firewood is burnt during the processing and curing of tobacco. It may be a commercial crop, but tobacco is posing several problems,” he added.