Acts like spitting and smoking in public will fetch offenders in West Bengal heavy fines or imprisonment.

From Tuesday, a government directive came into effect that bans spitting and chewing tobacco in public.

It also prohibits advertisements of tobacco products and their sale to anyone under the age of 18 years.

Sale of tobacco products within 10 metres of a school or college has also been banned.

The government hopes that the measures will not only make people more health consciousness, but also cure them of bad habits and, thus, help in giving the state a cleaner look.

The provision of punishment was considered after a campaign against spitting and answering nature's call in public failed.

"But, hopefully not anymore. The punishments will make people think twice before they forget how to behave," said an official of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Offenders can now be fined up to Rs10,000 or imprisonment for three months or both.

Policemen who do regular duty at public place like parks, hospitals, railway and bus terminuses and cinema halls will be asked to look out for offenders.

Consumption of tobacco on public transport systems has also been banned. Bus drivers and tram pilots can now lodge complaints with police against passengers who chew tobacco products while travelling.

A few months ago, Kolkata Mayor Subrata Mukherjee had spanked a person who was answering nature's call on the pavement of a prominent street. He had got down from his car, picked up a stick, tiptoed up to the unsuspecting man and swatted him on his backside.

Share your comments

What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 17 Sub: Hilarious!! the last part of the report is indeed hilarious, the mayor spanking an errant man answering to nature's call on a pavement...and as far as ... Posted by babloo Sub: Fantastic! This is something that has to be implemented and enforced properly. I hope this is done in all states. It is so pathetic to see ... Posted by Venky Sub: Bengal bans spitting in public Does this mean that Subrato Mukherjee is going to build some public bathrooms (and maintain them too!!) in calcutta? We know how capable calcutta police ... Posted by Geetha Sundaresan Sub: Spitting in public It is a great idea. But who will check the police man. Posted by Sam Sub: West Bengal Ban The move of the West Bengal Government to prohibit spitting in public and chewing tobacco in public vehicles and sale of tobacco products within certain ... Posted by c v subbaraman