(a) Whether any effective steps have been taken by the Government to ensure that smoking on railway platforms and in railway trains is banned in order to enforce the order of the Supreme Court of India;
(b) whether the Government propose to stop the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco related products on railway platforms so as to stop their use in the trains and platforms;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINSITER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI O. RAJAGOPAL)
(a): Efforts are being made to ensure enforcement of ban on smoking on railway platforms and in trains in compliance with the order of the Supreme Court of India.
(b)&(c): Minsitry of Railways have issued orders prohibiting sale of beedi/cigarettes etc.with effect from 5th June, 1999 by the catering/vending units at all railway premises, stations and in running tains on Indian Railways. In addition to beedi/cigarette, sale of all tobacco products including Gutkas etc. containing tobacco has also been banned for sale on railway platforms with effect from 4.7.2001.
(d): Does not arise.