WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

[Guest guest]

* proximately 120 million citizens of India are smokers (among the largest in

the world)?

* the Indian tobacco industry sells 102 billion cigarettes every year?

* an estimated 240 million people in India use tobacco?

* 40% of deaths in India directly or indirectly occur due to tobacco intake?

* smoking is more prevalent among rural women, with 2% of them being active

smokers, as compared to only 0.5% women smokers in urban areas in India?

* more than 11% Indian women consume tobacco products.

May 31: What is the Significance of World No Tobacco Day?

The world observes May 31 as the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) every year. Its

significance lies in spreading awareness among the public on the health hazards

of tobacco. In 2010, the theme for WNTD was decided as ‘Gender and tobacco

with

an emphasis on marketing to women.’ World No Tobacco Day aims at promoting a

healthy lifestyle, especially among young people. The focus is on women smokers

and women working in tobacco manufacturing units.

May 31: Tobacco Ban in India

The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act-2003 governs the laws on the use

of tobacco. On May 30, 2008, a ban was put on smoking in public places. The

anti-smoking ban was encouraged by a public initiative and a strong commitment

of the government and non-governmental organizations. The ban carries a fine of

not more than Rs200.

However, due to numerous loopholes in the ban, it was initially not enforced

strictly and remained effective only on papers. Anbumani Ramadoss, the Union

Minister for Health and Family Welfare, said at a function on May 29, 2010, that

the ban would be strictly enforced from October 2 by the Centre.  He further

said, “We have made a modification in the already enforced rule and from

October

2, 2008, the modified rule will be enforced strongly across the country.â€

Mr. Ramadoss has also recommended that there should be an increase in the

percentage of taxes levied on tobacco products. Currently, beedi carries a 9%

tax and cigarettes carry a 38% tax. He also suggested that awareness

advertisements and campaigns must implement the recommendations of the World

Health Organization (WHO).

Final Legal Take Away Tip: Due to ineffective marketing strategies in India,

anti-smoking campaigns fail to find an echo in the heart of smokers. Moreover,

the substantial amount of revenue that the government earns is the biggest

factor preventing the government from closing tobacco manufacturing units. This

ultimately, to a major extent, defeats the purpose of the World No Tobacco Day