Smokers in Delhi University sent out a message to the Delhi University Students’ Union, which is pressing hard for zero-tolerance against smoking in varsity premises.
Delhi University students ready to defy smoking ban imposed by union
NEW DELHI: Smokers in Delhi University sent out a message to the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), which is pressing hard for zero-tolerance against smoking and tobacco consumption in varsity premises. “Our smoking is nobody’s business,” they said.
Smokers in the varsity are ready to openly defy the drive launched by DUSU with the support of Delhi police on Monday.
Like most smokers, Anil Dhawan, an undergrad from Ramjas College, claims that he is aware of the ill effects of smoking but doesn’t want anyone to lay down the rules for him. “I will quit when I want to. My smoking is nobody’s business. This drive is not going to last long,” said Dhawan.
DUSU president Amrita Bahri has warned of surprise checks against tobacco consumers in the varsity premises and the cops too have decided to challan defaulters without warning. But this, smokers believe, can’t stop students from taking a drag.
“The only difference the drive is likely to make is that while currently we smoke openly, we may hide in the restrooms or other places and smoke. They just can’t expect us to stop smoking in a week’s time,” said Ashima Grewal, another student.
“Every college will have a banner put up on its premises asking students and teachers to pledge against tobacco consumption, at least on campus. Thereafter, anybody spotted smoking inside a college or even on the roads, will be challaned by Delhi police. We are going to be very serious about this,” Bahri said
The university administration has already vowed unconditional support to the drive and the cops too seem to be serious about the issue.
“Smoking in public places is already banned in Delhi under the Delhi Prohibition of Smoking Act, 1996. This law will be implemented strictly and defaulters may be fined up to an amount of Rs 200,” said Devesh Shrivastav, deputy commissioner of police (north).
y_puneet@dnaindia.net
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