Shrihari Sawant   Consultant
Almost in every state of India, prohibition of Smoking and Spitting Act has been Implemented. But is it implemented/followed or by general public is the big question? Is government taking this serious? No one can answer about this.
One cannot see much improvement as far as smoking habits are concerned. Truly speaking hospital buildings, public offices, hotels, Bus stands, Restaurants, Educational Institution and even Holy worship places are facing the curse of smoking. Prohibition of smoking and spitting Act promises to curb the use of tobacco and seek to penalize those who contravene the provisions of this anti smoking legislation.
This Act Prohibits smoking in any place of public work. It also provides that no person shall smoke while traveling or using a public vehicle transport. There is also a prohibition imposed on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors. This Act actually lays special emphasis on the protection of Minor Interest . But did anyone know, any State Government, thinks about it. The Act further said/provide that no person shall store, sell or distribute cigarettes, beedies, tobacco products, Gutka, or such other smoking and chewing/eatables substances within an area of 100 meters around place of worship or any colleges. schools or other educational Institution.
But can any one tell whether this is implemented and if not what steps government are taking. There is no need to set or create any provision/law at the legislative levl but should see whether it is implemented or not.
You will find all tobacco items, smoking or chewable or eatable form are on heavy demand and sells more near colleges and worship places. Now the question arise in such situation whom to blame for all these activities. Does public in general to be blame or the Government Authority for not taking the necessary step to all these? 
Oct 8th 2007 08:56