Smoking Ban..What about Those who are Burning the Country?
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[Completely off-topic - a personal take on govt's crazy ideas and indifference to things that matter the most.]
Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Delhi, Tripura and the list goes on – terrorism’s smoke is all over the country and the dear govt. is hell bent on implementing a ban on cigarette smoking (beedi/chewing tobacco is still legal).
Starting today, you won’t be able to smoke in shopping malls, cinema halls, public/private work place, hotels, banquet halls, discotheques, canteen, coffee house, pubs, bars, airport lounge, railway stations, and even the international airports – except for smoking on the road and if caught, be ready to ‘cough’ Rs. 200 (any gazetted government officer or the HR or administration officer in a private company can impose a fine on you!).
Forget about the draconian rule (won’t be surprised if govt. bans drinking coffee, as it’s also addictive and is harmful for health) – what about traffic pollution which is more dangerous than smoking (by the way, as per the new rule, the only way to smoke legally is on the road!)?
Well, these are shallow laws and are born out of health minister’s frustration (over his failure to get Bollywood biggies under his control?) and also shows desperation of the current govt. to show something ‘healthy’ for the upcoming election.
What’s not clear to me is why is govt. not focusing on the smoke which is killing innocent lives? The Smoke with a capital T – i.e. Terrorism – one that is hitting us on our face – wherever we are.
Everyday, bomb explosion smoke is engulfing new cities/geographies and all we are witnessing is a blame game (starts with ISI, then intelligence agencies and finally inter-parties.) – and everything fizzles out in few days.
Gandhi wanted peace in the country, but I guess we are chopping the world in multiple ‘pieces’ – and harping on issues that just doesn’t matter.
And who is to blame for all this?
I guess, it’s us, and US = You , Me and Everybody who doesn’t vote, who is too engrossed in price of iPhone and is not doing anything about the Bihar flood or any human calamity.
Because we are still a spectator in the entire game – and if we stay too long, we will be ’smoked out’.
Period.
Update: Looks like most of you seems to be agitated towards coffee. vs. smoke comparison. Lets remove coffee from the article – everything that I have mentioned here still holds true, i.e. govt’s lack of focus on an issue which, in my opinion is the most burning issue right now.
Smoking is bad, kills others, blah blah..and let me tell you this – a shallow ban like this won’t go beyond certain level of implementation – so let’s focus on things that matter the most.
As a tech-savvy citizen, I urge people to question government on their lack of focus/effort in fighting terrorism.
For discussion, please focus on the main issue that has been raised in this post, and not teeny weeny things.
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I used to feel the same way when cell phone usage was banned while driving (why ban cell phones in a country with absolutely no sense of traffic rules?). But a quick google search puts things in context though –
# deaths in India per year due to smoking – 900,000 http://www.inforesearchlab.com/smokingdeaths.chtml
# deaths due to terrorism in 2008 – 116
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorism_in_India
Of course, I am grossly simplifying this – but I applaud them for being able to resist the heavy lobbying from the tobacco industry.
@Vikas – the same logic can be applied to diabetes – and no, wikipedia numbers are grossly wrong.
I’d rather applaud govt to resist the heavy terrorism that’s becoming part of our lives..
That (Diabetes vs Smoking) is exactly the argument that the smoking lobby guy uses in “Thank You for Smoking” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944/ … Thats the movie I would heavily recommend if its about how many guys are getting killed due to smoking.
On the other hand, the impact of terrorism is much beyond deaths. Its that constant feeling of not being safe by a normal guy and the confidence of the terrorist that they can do anything they want.
Gr8 post !!
Ashish, do watch ‘A Wednesday’ starring Anupam kher and Naseeruddin Sah for some ideas of solving this problem, that the govt. cannot solve.
Hv heard rave reviews of “A Wednesday’ – Will surely watch!
Thanks for sharing that!
Its a recently released film and has been much applauded. The film resonates with opinion similar to yours.
Many Debates happens on NDTV program “We the People” with barkha dutt about improving india: But end of day “NO ACTION”, during program many ppl watching NTDV become emotionally excited to come forward and help but at the end of the show every thing cools off in their mind and they continue with their life. Very less ppl are making difference to india, but to make significant change ppl should stop voting CHAP politicians [ZERO Education] [its tough to choose good politician, but we are choosing Bad from Worst].
One Lady Told During “We the Ppl” [Subject was: How to Make 100% Literacy in india] program that: “Dont wait for others to get you started, It should Start from you”. Some Ladies are doing awesome effort in that direction.
I think most of indian’s are familiar with that famous program on NDTV.
If Cigs are so bad, why not ban the sale & manufacture of them and get it over with..
Let c how far they go with this BAN !!
smokers and non-smokers will always differ on what is being said about smoking!
b/w rightly asked by ashish -’what about those burning the country’
… impotent people holding powerful chairs will always avoid taking any courageous step! even before doing that.. thr is a complete lack of will to fix things..
only thing that can move these a**h**** is – ‘loosing vote bank’ … if people react well.. in numbers.. they respond with a ‘laddoo ‘… otherwise they don’t give a damn about the people they represent..
In my opinion, it is as if saying do not look at solving any other problems and only solve terrorism then everything else is fine. But may be these small things might affect much more lives than terrorism (I don’t have numbers to back it up
). Govt has a responsibility to look into all these issues.
I agree with you..but isn’t smoking a freedom of choice? Isnt that an opt-in (unlike terrorism?)
It is not a freedom of choice as it affects others. Why do you think drunk and driving is not a freedom of choice?
This post makes me think …why am I subscribed to this feed.
Comparing coffee with smoking…wow.
Yes…India’s biggest pain right now is that educated people like us stay away from the dirt of politics…
And that has created a vicious circle (politics is full of more and more incompetents) that might doom India some day…
Cigarette smokers are a health hazard to others. Smokers are going to slowly kill me with lung cancer. Some terrorist might do that too.
Smokers are also easy to catch in the act. Terrorists are not. There is going to be no Batla House shoot-out with smokers. Interesting line of thought though:-)
Smoking is a matter of public health. Unlike terrorism, it is not a matter of public security.
Coffee vs smoking. Three scenario to consider
1) Passive smoking vs passive coffee drinking:)
2) Having a smoke vs drinking coffee with kids at home.
3) An expecting mother smoking vs having coffee.
Smoking and Terrorism are two different vectors. The comparison between them is totally unfair. One is handled by Health Ministry and the other by defense. May be you are feeling unsafe to go out that’s why you are feeling the pain.
Guys (and girls):
I guess you are missign an imp pt. that I am trying to make here – FOCUS.
i.e. why is govt. getting into morale policing?
Isn’t smoking a freedom of choice? Isnt that an opt-in (unlike terrorism?)
Yes the two are handled by different ministries (who run on the common fund, i.e the tax we pay).
There are far more imp. issues than this – if health ministry is so concerned abt citizen’s health, why is the sex ratio declining?
What’s happening to malnutritioned children in several parts of the country?
And what about the fucking pollution that’s killing us? – Isn’t that a far more controllable thing?
Ashish,
The grounds for smoking ban are not as untenable as you make it out to be. It is not about protecting the smokers but the right of non-smokers to a clean and smoke free environment. You have freedom of choice only as long as it does not hurt others freedom to live a healthy life. I am surprised you could not see through the supreme court’s reasoning.
I agree the govt. is not doing enough to counter terrorism but that cannot be a ground to oppose what they ARE doing right.
Really disappointed with this post.
Nilesh
I do understand SC’s reasoning. Please help me understand this:
a. How about polluting vehicles who blow all the smoke inside everybody’s lungs? They defy the already present law and govt. doesn’t care about it.
b. what about other health related things that are killing children?
Aren’t these important? Have you been to a govt. hospital and saw the state of affairs there?
My only worrry here is ppl have stopped questioning biggies and will accept anything and everything taht’s thrown to them.
I am quite disappointed to see shallow comments here – why are ppl not questioning these things?
And hey, why not ban beedi – do you know that beedi and chewing tobacco = 85% of the harmful ‘nicotine’ sales? And the current law doesn’t cover that.
And guys, can anybody tell me what happened to other blasts that occurred last year? who is questioning govt’s actions?
Yes, there are things to be done. Who said that this smoking ban will solve all health-related problems? But should we not do anything unless it solves a problem 100%? How about making a 5% progress ! Lets work on fixing the other issues too, some of which are no doubt more critical and urgent. But there is no reason we have to abandon all other efforts and just do one thing at a time.
Incidentally, this is the same line of reasoning of people who are opposing India’s moon mission. Why spend so much money going into space when there are dying farmers in Andhra? For curiosity’s sake, Ashish, what’s your stance on India’s moon mission?
It is not a shallow response or a blind acceptance of whatever the government throws at us. I have strong opposition to the way things are being handled on terrorism, education, law, and environment. But lets not lose perspective here.
@Prashant: I too am a libertarian. I do not think personal habits are government’s business. But smoking in a public place is not just you exercising your freedom. It affects people around you who cannot “opt-out”. That is how it is different than banning butter, oil, and junk-food.
And yes, I would like to see a ban on beedi too.
cheers
nilesh
Its all about priorities – and I believe many of these decisions are set by the much awaited poll.
“I would like to see a ban on beedi too” – I am sure many of you won’t be aware of this until ashish talked about it.
Isn’t that shallow?
someone send a DVD of “Thank You for Smoking” to Ramdoss .Protagonist in that movie makes a case against Smoking Ban by saying that more people die because of Heart Attack and Cholesterol
why don’t you ban all the Butter , Oil and Junk Food . this looks a solid argument
While I agree that we should respect our peers by not forcing them to be a passive smokers .But at the same time putting a blanket ban and portraying smokers as villain doesn’t solve anything . I am confident this will not be enforced with as much strictness as we are aticipating .
reason ?? Tobbaco cartel is one of the biggest Tax Payer . a little arm twisting around election time and things will be ok !
Smokers of World , Relax !!
here is the clip from the movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=596DgHsNzTM
Hi Prashant,
You started off by saying this blog is completely “off-topic” and I guess you should have stopped there..:-)
I think a ban on smoking in public places has been long overdue.
Smoking/ smoke irritates a vast number of people; so, don’t do it where you give rise to concern. This is just a matter of good taste/ decorum.
Coffee or sugar may be harmful but only to the imbiber.. not to the persons in the vicinity.
Terrorism, vehicular pollution, state of public health are all problems. However, it is disingenous to link a ban on smoking to “first solve those”.
Lastly, pal, we love this blog.. stick to the knitting
Amazing discussion..couple of points.
> Looks like most of you haven’t read the entire article and hit the cmmnt btn, before understanding the context.
i dont think anybdy is saying dont ban smoking..i guess its a matter of priorities.
and if govt. uses oct 2nd to declare ban on smoking, what happens to other imp issues (that ppl are discussing here..)? – Is govt. waiting for another bomb blast to again make same senseless statements?
You guys are supposed to be knowledge workers..the padha likha crowd who is ’supposed to’ run the country – sad that none of you are even questioning wht govt. is doing (or not doing).
I guess, ashish righly said – “Because we are still a spectator in the entire game – and if we stay too long, we will be ’smoked out’.”
Argue with ppl whom you can point ur finger to – but accept wht big boss says!
great show guys!
Am dumbfolded after reading this post. Leave apart comparing coffee with smoke, what made anyone to think that it is not ‘govt’ duty to ban smoking in public places ?. Unless other addictions, it is not a victimless habit. Passive smoking is a real health hazard. Come on, it is not your RIGHT to disturb someone else. As someone rightly said, it is the RIGHT of any citizen to have a clean air.
Yea, you have suggested many problems which doesnt not have solutions yet. Terrorism, Pollution, Cholestrol(buddy, thats a lifestyle prob which is a matter of individual choice). But that doesnt mean that Govt. should put the entire effort in countering terrorism only and let rest of the problems goto hell.
More than 53% of indian budget is spent on ‘DEFENSE’. Yea, its a pain to see we still struggle even with that. But as a citizen, I would rather see that money being spent on other major issues like Health, Water, Sanitation and Education.
Terrorism is a threat not a real killer when it comes to numbers.
“Terrorism is a threat not a real killer when it comes to numbers.” – WOW!!
Hats off to you sir for such a brave comment!
“More than 53% of indian budget is spent on ‘DEFENSE” – Shallow again?
Do you know this 53% is for defence from outside – i.e. equipments/training etc..and doesn’t cover threats from inside?
Why is govt. taking away the focus from main qns to these things that do not matter so much?
As one of the commentors said – pluggd.in readers/techies are supposedly the guys who are knowledge workers – and if they aren’t questioning govt’s actions (actually most of u seem to be fine with terrorism) – who else will?
Guys and girls
I am quite amazed to see your comments.
What surprises me is that many of you didn’t get the context of the post – i.e Terrorism.
Govt. uses Oct 2nd to ban smoking in public places, but did you notice that all news about terrorism is gone?
I feel sick to see the # of deaths caused by smoking vs. terrorism – I mean is that a parameter?
If yes, let terrorism spread it’s wings..let it touch everybody’s lives and then we will do something about it?
All I am talking about is PRIORITIES – right now, terrorism is not coming from outside, but Indians are being used to mastermind/plant bombs (earlier this was happening only in Kasmir, but now it’s happening in other parts of the country) – Isn’t THIS SCARY?
Why this coffee vs. smoking debate? There are far more important things for govt. to look at – even you and me to be worry about.
Coming back to smoking ban:
Think why govt. didn’t ban beedi? Provide me the answer please, since beedi is a grand killer and constitutes ~85% of nicotine sales in India.
Think.
-Ashish
Ashish,
The comments are in response to your article only. Your position is clear only now after a lot of confusion among readers. Your comments like smoking being a freedom of choice, and the ban being a “shallow” one, only distracted and drove the focus away from the intended point of the article which is that government is not doing enough to tame terrorism. It was the article only which brought the coffee v/s smoking debate in question.
Still I am glad that this article was only a failure of communication and not a failure of logic as I earlier thought. I am a happy reader again.
I don’t understand the logic behind this article. While I completely agree that terrorism should be fought heavily, that doesn’t mean the government should stop all other initiatives and focus on terrorism. The Home ministry will deal with the terrorism, while the health ministry will deal with the smoking issues. There is no reason blaming all other initiatives just because one specific initiative is missing.
[...] Smoking Ban..What about Those who are Burning the Country? [...]
Ok, so Oct 2nd came, the ban suddenly happened, and huge amount of hoo haa being made bout smoking in public places. Wow, this gets funnier by the day. Yes, as Ashish rightly puts it, why hasn’t the govt. banned beedi if it constitutes 85% of sales in India?? Vote bank politics?
Also, crackers for diwali should be banned too. Afterall, as Leo said, “every citizen has the right to clean air” right? The smoke and noise pollution during Diwali is a hazard to me – c’mon govt, pls ban it.
This decision is a blind aping of the west in a hope to better things in India – well, wake up – we have more people dying of hunger and lack of living amenities than of cancer.
[...] Is govt. really serious about these numbers? No! – they are busy doing some shallow bans! [...]
Bans come and go.. i can still go out smoke happily nywhr i like..
…
hope you guys now agree that terrorism, even though it kills 100 people is far more alarming than shallow issues.
As I have said again and again, govt. needs to solve 1 damn issue – and terrorism tops the chart now.
Nothing else matters than lives of innocent lives and the damage to India’s ‘business-friendly’ image.