Maharashtra, India - collecting fines from anti-tobacco drive..

Maharashtra government, government for the state of Maharashtra in Western India, has collected fine of over Rs 13 lakh (Rs 1.3 million; $28,490.03 USD) in the first week of the drive against sale of tobacco products in and around schools and colleges,and smoking in public places.

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

The drive started on January 10.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtray, yielded the highest amount in fine for smoking in public places (Rs 2,13,000). Nagpur, a city in the state of Maharashtra, division yielded Rs93,750 from fine collected from gutkha sellers in school/college premises. Under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, sale and advertisement of tobacco and related products are banned within 100 metres of educational institutes.

There are 26 authorities (other than police) including school principals and librarians who can fine anyone violating the law upto Rs 300 (6.57 USD), the minister said.

Reference: Maha gets over Rs 13 lakh in fine from anti-tobacco driveOneindia.in, 1/19/2011.

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