Orissa enforces ban on smoking at public places

BHUBANESWAR: One and half year after the Union government banned smoking at public places, the state government on Monday formally enforced the law by pressing into service designated squads to apprehend the culprits.

Implementation of the law remained a non-starter all the days as the state government could not print the receipt books to collect penalty money from offenders.

The Centre had banned smoking in public places on October 2, 2008. As per the law a person smoking at a public place will have to cough up Rs 200.

“The law could not be enforced as receipt books could not be printed and issued to enforcement agencies in time. Now that the receipt books are printed and supplied to the enforcement authorities, the state government will ensure that offenders are taken into the task,” state health and family welfare minister Prasanna Acharya said.

The enforcement squad will have personnel from health and home departments, besides representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Armed police personnel will accompany the squad so as to avoid possible skirmishes with offenders.

Earlier on March 16, 2009, the Orissa government had formed a state-level committee to ensure effective implementation of the anti-smoking law. It was also decided by the committee to empower the police, health department and select NGOs to collect fines from the violators of the Act.

“The decision could not be implemented then due non-delivery of receipt books by the health and family welfare department,” a senior police official said.