Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : June 18, 2015 5:54 PM IST
Taking the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to another level the Maharashtra government is spearheading a new campaign to encourage people stop spitting in public places. In a move to keep the city streets clean the government decided to make it compulsory for people to take up community service like sweeping and cleaning the street if they spit. Apart from this the person will also be fined an amount if they are found to litter in the streets. Also read to know why the city needs stringent anti-spitting laws.
In Maharashtra, consumption of gutka and paan masala is already banned, things that lead to the nuisance. Deaths due to tobacco consumption are rising, and the WHO statistics estimates that it can claim around 8.4 million people across the globe by 2020 if things are not addressed with immediate effects. Read why illicit tobacco trade is a menace for the city.
The government s initiative:
While the draft is still to be made a group of ministers headed by the State Health Minister Dr Deepak Sawant, Consumer Affairs minister Girish Bapat and Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Babanrao Lonikar, wishes to have these points mentioned as the punishment for spitting:
For the first offence, there would be a fine of Rs 1,000 and community service for a day.
For the second offence, there would be a fine of Rs 2,000 and community service for three days.
And for the third offence, you have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 and get involved in community service for five days.
The idea is to make the person (spitter) mop floors of the railway station, government offices in full public view. This will help the offender check his behaviour in the public the next time he steps out of the house and also prevent the spread of contagious diseases like tuberculosis.
Image source: Shutterstock
For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
