Here is how Maharashtra plans to tackle the problem of 'spitting in public'

Anti-spitting norms will be made more stringent to serve as credible deterrence to the offenders, Maharashtra Health minister Deepak Sawant said on Sunday.

"We are checking whether to bring in a new legislation or amend the existing one in the next session (of state legislature)," Sawant said.

"A law against spitting in public places is already in existence and in Mumbai, the BMC acts against people who spit in public. But it is not that effective," the minister said, pointing out to an increase in number of cases of TB.

"We will also check if we can suspend driving licence of a taxi or auto driver who spits in public places like roads.

We will make the legislation effective so that there will be a deterrent for people who indulge in such activity," he said.