Maharashtra govt to ban tobacco use at public places: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: Maharashtra government will soon impose a ban on tobacco consumption at public places, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday.

"Cancer caused by consumption of tobacco, gutkha, paan masala and cigarettes affects not only that individual, but an entire family is destroyed," he said.

"Consumption of tobacco at public places will be banned and necessary steps taken in this regard," Fadnavis said after visiting the Tata Memorial Hospital here on World Cancer Day.

The incidence of cancer is the same as it was 20 years ago. That is why there is a need to create awareness about it, he said.

It is seen that sale of tobacco and paan masala is on the rise in the vicinity of educational institutions. A ban on their sale will be enforced with the help of Home and education departments, he said.

"Punjab government has levied hefty taxes on tobacco. It is not yet clear what the impact of the heavy taxes has been. We will also consider it after the impact becomes clear," the Chief Minister said.