IS THE GOVERNMENT REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT THE HEALTH HAZARDS FROM TOBACCO
It is scientifically proven beyond doubts about the linkages of Tobacco to various health hazards like Cancer and other ailments .
But the steps that government has been taking is putting higher excise duties and taxes and making more revenue for their coffers.
And putting the statutory warning and making it more prominent.
While the alcohol is banned in so many states what is stooping these states from banning tobacco.
Even within tobacco some states have banned Guthka but have not seen Cigarette being banned anywhere.
This dubious stand of the government is something which is beyond anyone's understanding.
DATA ON TAX COLLECTIONS AND MORTALITY DUE TO TOBACCO
And these deaths are only reported numbers and the actual would be much higher.
Are we saying that these deaths are getting compensated by the taxes earned by the government and the livelihood by the farmers and the corporation direct and indirect income .
COUNTRIES WHERE IT IS BANNED
We can take some good guidance from our neighbor Bhutan which has very strict rules for smoking
These are the five countries which have passed very strict rules to stop smoking
Bhutan
In 2004, Bhutan became the first nation in the world to ban the sale of tobacco and to outlaw smoking in all public places. In June 2010, the country implemented one of the world’s strictest anti-tobacco legislations by forbidding the sale or smuggling of tobacco into Bhutan. Those found guilty of the offence serve can serve a prison term of three to five years with no chance of being granted bail.
Costa Rica
In 2012, Costa Rica passed one of the strictest smoking regulations in the world. Legislation prohibits lighting up in taxis, buses, trainer, public buildings, bars, casinos and workplaces. Smoking is also banned from all enclosed public-access buildings, and no separate “smoking areas” are allowed. The country has seen surprisingly high compliant rates since the ban came into effect.
Colombia
In 2009, Colombia extended its anti-smoking regulation to include indoor workplaces and public places. The use of terms such as “mild” and “light” were also banned on advertisements and packaging.
Uruguay
Uruguay became the first Latin American country to prohibit smoking in public places, including restaurants, bars and the workplace in March 2004. In 2008, a campaign was started to promote not smoking at home and in cars in the presence of children.
Malaysia
Malaysia has banned smoking in several public spaces, including hospitals, airports, public toilets, government premises, Internet cafes and government premises. As of June 2010, those caught smoking in private office space with air conditioning can be fined up to RM10, 000 (approximately $3,200 CAD) or two years of imprisonment.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY
These farmers can still continue to grow tobacco and the factories can run to produce their products and the output can be exported but not at the cost of human life.
It is high time that there should be total ban in India of production or Import of any Tobacco products
Just by banning advertisements in television and Media and allowing to put it on Billboards is completely irrational which needs a serious thought .
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