New Delhi - An estimated 120 million smokers in India will have one more reason to try to kick their addiction beginning Thursday. The government is gearing up to enforce a ban from Thursday on smoking in public places in an effort to curb tobacco use, which kills an estimated 900,000 Indians every year, according to a recent study.
Britain, France, Ireland and Thailand are among the countries that already have similar bans in place. The new order bars smoking in hotels, eateries, cafes, pubs, bars, discotheques, offices, airports, railway stations, bus stops, shopping malls and parks.
The fine for violating the order is 200 rupees (4.29 dollars), but federal Health Minister and tireless anti-smoking crusader Ambumani Ramadoss has said that higher fines are being contemplated.
India has had laws against smoking in public places in place for some time, but they have not been enforced strictly.
The new Smoking in Public Places Rules 2008 come into force on the anniversary of the birth of independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, who was known for his ascetic habits.
Tobacco use in India includes smoking cigarettes, hookahs and cheap hand-rolled bidis along with chewing of tobacco.
But officials acknowledged that enforcement might not be easy.
Besides the police, government officers; inspectors of central excise, sales tax, transport and health departments; and principals of schools have been given powers to fine violators on their respective premises.
Some state governments like Bihar and Maharashtra have reportedly expressed their inability to implement the ban, the PTI and IANS news agencies reported.
Ramadoss said the ban would be strictly enforced. "From October 2, India is going to be a smoke-free place," he was quoted as saying.
Urging individuals to refrain from smoking, he said: "Please self-impose this act. That is my main appeal." The minister said the rule is largely aimed at protecting secondhand smokers.
India is the third-largest tobacco producer and consumer in the world after China and the United States. According to a Health Ministry release, more than 2,200 Indians die every day from tobacco use.
They are at risk from cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes and cancer. According to government estimates, the tobacco industry produces annual revenues of 270 billion rupees for India every year, but its medical costs amount to at least 300 billion rupees.
A group of regulars at a cafe in Goa's capital, Panaji, were among many meeting up Wednesday for their last smoke in their favourite joints, IANS reported.
Kalpesh Sakhalkar, who runs Cafe Parkash, said: "We'll lose some customers who come in for a smoke along with their cup of tea, but then, on the other hand, my father and I may live longer."
