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Smoking Ban: Is the Government Right in 'Butting' In??

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Written on 8:18 PM by Reethi


Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss enforced a complete ban on smoking in public places. Now you can get fined for smoking in airports, railway stations, cinema halls and even office spaces. This move is an effort to clamp down on a habit that kills an estimated 1 million people every year, the government put in action a ban that carries a fine of 200 rupees – more than the average person’s daily wage. Anbumani Ramadoss, has said that those wishing to keep up the habit will “have to smoke in the streets”.

A lot of people beleive that this move is a breather, especially in a nation which is the third largest market for cigarettes, with up to 250 million smokers. Apparently not everyone feels the same. In the run-up to the ban, Indian newspapers have spared no space and channels are airing vows from dedicated smokers saying the new legislation will not stop them.

One smoker, Viplav, told the Mail Today: “I will continue to smoke wherever and whenever I want. The police are not able to stop the terrorists so I don’t expect them to come and fine us.” Disagreeing with the argument, Alyque Padamsee said, “I don’t think people act irresponsibly. But I do believe that the Government has one prescription for everything – ban. What I would like to know is who is going to enforce this ban? Our police is nowadays busy catching terrorists, are we going to tell the personnel now leave the terrorists and go catch those who are smoking in public places?”

Will this be a ban which goes up in smoke? Is it a ban which hinders personal freedom?

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1 Comment

  1. Anonymous |

    hey nice article

     

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