Maha gets over Rs 13 lakh in fine frm anti-tobacco drive

Mumbai, Jan 19 (PTI) Maharashtra government has collectedfine of over Rs 13 lakh in the first week of the drive againstsale of tobacco products in and around schools and colleges,and smoking in public places.

"The government has collected over Rs 13 lakh by finingthose selling gutkha, cigarettes in school-college premises,or those smoking in public places," Minister of State for HomeDepartment Satej Patil today said.

The drive started on January 10.

Mumbai yielded the highest amount in fine for smoking inpublic places (Rs 2,13,000). Nagpur division yielded Rs93,750 from fine collected from gutkha sellers inschool/college premises.

Under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act,sale and advertisement of tobacco and related products arebanned within 100 metres of educational institutes.

There are 26 authorities (other than police) includingschool principals and librarians who can fine anyone violatingthe law upto Rs 300, the minister said.