25 May : To strengthen the reporting mechanism of violations of smoke free rules and to encourage non-smokers and public at large to report violations under the Revised Smoke-Free Rules, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched National Toll Free Help line No. 1800-110-456 (24×7) which is now operative throughout the country. All the violations on smoke free rules may be reported on this number, which is accessible from any place in the country. There is provision to make complaints vide this help line and information is also provided about the provisions under the rules e.g. what all places come under the definition of ‘public place’, what is open space, where smoking is not prohibited, what is the amount of fine, where to report violations etc.
More than 1600 violations have been reported on the help line from all over India till March 2009. The instances of violations reported to this help line are passed on to the concerned states to take appropriate action as per the law and there is provision of follow up action taken also.
At present Chandigarh is the only smoke free city in India. Delhi (2009), Chennai (2010), Ahmedabad (2010) and Mumbai (2010) are the other cities proposed to become smoke free. Some states like Jharkhand and Sikkim are also working towards becoming ‘smoke free’.