JOIN USSmoking 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.
“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.
Doubts on fines
“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.
World Anti Tobacco Day today
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.