No smoking zones

No smoking zones
Though the provision of ‘no smoking in public places’ was introduced long before, the government is all set to come strongly against those who do not resist smoking in public places like parks, zoo, museum, cinema halls, chowks, roads, bus, etc.
A legal provision against the perpetrators was passed through the parliament on Monday, 10 April. The smokers in public places shall be fined up-to rupees 100 along with asking them to quit the public places. Any concerned person of the public places could ask the smokers to immediately stop smoking and if he or she refuses to do so despite pledge, he or she will be punished according to the legal provision or other departmental actions may also be taken. The legal provision against tobacco products which was propounded by legislature parliament will come into effect only after three months. After the provision will come into complete effect, none will be allowed to smoke in public places, according to Dr. Pravin Mishra the secretary of Health Ministry. Now the tobacco companies will have to print health-related messages or pictures indicating the consequences of tobacco use covering 75 per cent of packets, wrappers, cartoons, packaging of parcels and levels of products made of tobacco.
According to a legal officer at Health Ministry Komal Acharya, anyone including the producer also won’t be allowed to promote or advertise or organize any program or air news or notice through any newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, FMs, internet, email, electronic media, wall-paintings, hoarding boards, logos, signs, write-ups, pictures, people or any other means.
Making provisions is an easy task in Nepal but applying them facing with several hurdles is always an uphill task due to political interferences and instability. The time alone will witness how much successful the over-ambitions plan will be.