Given that many smokers don't think twice about lighting cigarettes all across the City, the concept of the ban on smoking in public places can really be questioned. The authorities may say that all is under control — but there are still people smoking on the streets and open spaces like parks.
Metrolife speaks to a few Bangaloreans to find out whether they think the ban is being implemented well. Sandeep Balakrishna, a researcher, feels that the ban is not effective at all.
"I, like several other people, snickered when they announced this ban simply
because I didn't believe it would be effective. This is a country which has no dearth of laws, rules and bans. The main reason these things don't work out is that we don't believe in respecting laws," he says.
"The term 'public place' isn't defined clearly in this case. Does it mean the road? There isn't much clarity, is there?" he questions, adding, "The only places that the ban was enforced for a few months were restaurants, pubs and bars."
Rajesh Gopinath, an associate manager, notes, "I think the smoking ban was a good try, but it had very poor implementation. The police do not have check points at the right places. There should be some dedicated police resources for the same, and there should be allocated smoking zones in public spaces."
Rajesh adds, "Each police station should fix collection targets in terms of penalty amounts received from those who do not abide by the law. Probably then, we will see some change." While some may be furious with the ineffective ban, others have forgotten that it exists in the first place.
"I often forget that there is a smoking ban at all. There are separate areas in restaurants and other spaces like that. People who are smoking in public are left alone. What does the ban say, after all? Smoking on the pavement is not something that can be banned," says Siri Srinivas, an IT professional.
T Suneel Kumar, additional commissioner of police (law and order), comments, "The smoking ban doesn't seem to be effective as the fine amounts that are imposed don't really affect anyone. People are not bothered." He adds, "It can be made more effective if the fine is increased and awareness is created. At college levels, awareness programmes and respect for the legislature and its proceedings should be created."
Metrolife speaks to a few Bangaloreans to find out whether they think the ban is being implemented well. Sandeep Balakrishna, a researcher, feels that the ban is not effective at all.
"I, like several other people, snickered when they announced this ban simply
because I didn't believe it would be effective. This is a country which has no dearth of laws, rules and bans. The main reason these things don't work out is that we don't believe in respecting laws," he says.
"The term 'public place' isn't defined clearly in this case. Does it mean the road? There isn't much clarity, is there?" he questions, adding, "The only places that the ban was enforced for a few months were restaurants, pubs and bars."
Rajesh Gopinath, an associate manager, notes, "I think the smoking ban was a good try, but it had very poor implementation. The police do not have check points at the right places. There should be some dedicated police resources for the same, and there should be allocated smoking zones in public spaces."
Rajesh adds, "Each police station should fix collection targets in terms of penalty amounts received from those who do not abide by the law. Probably then, we will see some change." While some may be furious with the ineffective ban, others have forgotten that it exists in the first place.
"I often forget that there is a smoking ban at all. There are separate areas in restaurants and other spaces like that. People who are smoking in public are left alone. What does the ban say, after all? Smoking on the pavement is not something that can be banned," says Siri Srinivas, an IT professional.
T Suneel Kumar, additional commissioner of police (law and order), comments, "The smoking ban doesn't seem to be effective as the fine amounts that are imposed don't really affect anyone. People are not bothered." He adds, "It can be made more effective if the fine is increased and awareness is created. At college levels, awareness programmes and respect for the legislature and its proceedings should be created."