State govt requests Centre to hike public smoking fine

Bengaluru: In order to combat the health risks posed by tobacco the state government has requested 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. GA Srinivas speaking at a workshop organized to spread awareness of the dangers of tobacco consumption said the increase in fine was an urgent need to combat the health risks posed by tobacco.

He further added that other than 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 added.

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, he informed.