Bengal to impose hefty fines on public spitting; New bill to be introduced soon

West Bengal is preparing to introduce a new bill that will impose heavy fines on individuals found spitting tobacco, pan masala, or betel nuts in public places. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday evening at the state secretariat, Nabanna. The new bill will be presented during the upcoming budget session, which begins on February 10. This move comes as part of the state government’s efforts to improve public hygiene and reduce the growing issue of littering in urban areas.

During the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing levels of dirt and public uncleanliness, particularly focusing on the stains caused by spitting on freshly painted walls and footpaths. These stains have been damaging public infrastructure, including newly painted surfaces and footpaths, and have undermined the state government’s beautification projects aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of cities. As a result, the new bill will include provisions for imposing a substantial fine on offenders to deter such behavior.

Currently, under the West Bengal Public Spitting Prevention Act, 2003, individuals can be fined up to ₹200 for spitting in public places. However, this fine has been criticized for being too low to act as a deterrent to offenders. Sources indicate that the new bill proposes a significant increase in the fine, potentially reaching ₹1,000 per violation, though the exact figure will be finalized in the coming days. The aim is to enforce stricter penalties and reduce the public nuisance caused by such actions.

The budget session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly will begin on February 10, with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose delivering the inaugural speech. Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya will present the state’s budget on February 12. The new bill is expected to be a key part of the state government’s broader agenda to improve public health and cleanliness in urban areas. Despite the proposed fines, concerns remain about the adequacy of administrative resources to effectively implement and enforce the new law.