Synopsis
In West Bengal, a new Bill targeting habitual spitting of chewing tobacco and pan masala in public places is set to be introduced, proposing a significant financial penalty for offenders. This initiative follows concerns raised by the Chief Minister regarding public cleanliness and ongoing beautification efforts.Key Takeaways
- New legislation proposed for spitting offenses in West Bengal.
- Potential penalty of Rs 1,000 for each incident.
- Concerns over public cleanliness raised by the Chief Minister.
- Current law imposes a maximum penalty of Rs 200.
- Enforcement challenges due to manpower shortages.
Kolkata, Feb 4 (NationPress) Challenging times are looming for those in West Bengal who frequently spit chewing tobacco or pan masala in public areas, as a Bill is set to be presented in the upcoming Budget Assembly session. This legislation includes provisions for a significant monetary penalty for these offenses.
A decision was made during a meeting of the West Bengal cabinet at the state secretariat Nabanna on Tuesday.
A Cabinet member stated that the Chief Minister herself voiced concern over the increasing instances of spitting, chewing tobacco, betel leaf remnants, or pan masala in public spaces.
“She specifically criticized the unsightly stains caused by such spitting habits on recently painted walls or pavements, which are obstructing the state government’s beautification initiatives. Consequently, it was resolved to advance the Bill with provisions for a substantial financial penalty for such actions,” the Cabinet member remarked.
While the precise amount of the penalty has yet to be determined, sources indicate that there may be a standardized penalty of Rs 1,000 for each instance of such offenses.
Currently, a law known as the West Bengal Prevention of Spitting in Public Place Act, 2003 is in effect, where the maximum penalty for public spitting is set at Rs 200.
However, there have been persistent concerns regarding the practicality of enforcing this act and its deterrent effect on habitual offenders due to the low penalty.
This could explain the proposal to increase the penalty amount by at least five times in the new legislation. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of enforcement agencies remains in question, given the shortage of personnel in various departments.
This year, the budget session of the state assembly will commence on February 10, with the opening address delivered by Governor C.V. Ananda Bose.
West Bengal’s Minister of State in Charge of the Finance Department (independent charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya will unveil the state budget proposals on February 12.
