Smoking ban: Government collects Rs 57 lakhs in fines

NEW DELHI: The impact of the ban on smoking in public may be debatable but the rule, introduced on October 2, 2008, has helped boost the public exchequer's coffer significantly. Data shows the state tobacco control cell has collected Rs 57.92 lakh in fines over the last six years.

As many as 68,959 men and 126 women have been fined for smoking in public. "Government agencies conducted 1,27,330 raids at public places and 2,55,011 raids in public service vehicles and fined people," data shows.

Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, executive director, Voluntary Health Association of India ( VHAI), said implementation of the no-smoking rule in Delhi shows the government's commitment towards tobacco control. She, however, stressed on the need for stringent action against clubs, hookah bars, and restaurants flouting the law. "It should also be emulated by other states to make the country smoke-free. Also, the government must ensure the money collected is spent on tobacco control and public health issues," added Mukhopadhyay.

Further, a survey on prevalence of tobacco usage in the city recorded that 41% men and 3.7% women use some kind of tobacco product. Around 30% men and 1.1% women smoke regularly, while 17% men and 3% women use chewing tobacco.

Sources said the Central government is planning stringent measures under the anti-tobacco law that include a 10-fold rise in the fine for smoking in public and a ban on the sale of loose cigarettes, etc.

Tobacco use accounts for 40% cancers in India. It is also associated with higher morbidity and mortality caused due to respiratory problems, heart diseases and Tuberculosis, say medical experts.

According to a recent report prepared by the Public Health Foundation of India, total economic costs attributable to tobacco use from all diseases in India in 2011 amounted to a staggering Rs 1,04,500 crore-12% more than the combined state and central government expenditure on health care in the same year.