Gandhi Jayanthi Day or Oct 2 will see implementation of anti-smoking law in public places. The law prohibits smoking in public places. The law has been made to save people from adverse effects of second-hand smoking. Violators of the law will be fined Rs 200.

Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said that the ban on smoking in public places would be enforced throughout India and sought the cooperation of all the States in this regard. He added that the Centre is thinking of authorising gazetted officers, including Sub-Inspectors, Railway TTEs, engine drivers and school headmasters besides NGO officials to collect fines from people who violate the ban on smoking from October 2.

Under this law, all restaurants having more than 30 seats should set up a smoker's zone exclusively for smokers, where no eatables will be served. The law doesn’t allow creation of smoker’s zones in private and public offices.

Union health minister added that smoking will be strictly banned in parks. He said all the reports saying that smoking is allowed in parks are incorrect.  

He said that India has signed the World Health Organisation's (WHO) frame-work on tobacco control. He added that initially the pictorial warning would cover 40 per cent of the tobacco products from December 1. In reply to question regarding complete ban of ‘gutka’ products, he said, "I do not have powers to immediately ban it." But manufacturing of tobacco products would be reduced in the country gradually.