Sensitization of the youth representatives on tobacco control
India Celebrates its 16th Year Anniversary of Smoke Free Rules On 2nd October
In 2008 after a prolonged struggle, smoking was banned in all public places in India with effect from October 2, 2008. Smoking is banned in public as per section (4) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce Production, Supply and Distribution) Act COTPA 2003. COTPA prohibits smoking in all public places that include markets, workplaces, airports, railway stations, bus stands, hotels, restaurants, cinema halls, theatres etc. However, it allows designated smoking areas (DSA) in airports and hotels & restaurants with over 30 rooms and 30 seating capacity respectively.
India’s national law, the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) has been effective in certain areas, but there are still many aspects that need to be amended and strengthened. Such amendments would further align it with our global commitments under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and more effectively protect India’s population from the dangers of tobacco use.
The COTPA, enacted in 2003 and applicable to the entire country, was mainly to discourage the consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products by imposing progressive restrictions and to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2016-17) by Govt. of India conducted in India revealed that 72% believe second-hand smoke is a serious health hazard and 88% people strongly support strengthening of the current tobacco control law to address this menace.
Second-hand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. Nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke at work are at increased risk for adverse health effects.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and premature deaths globally and in India more than 13 Lakhs people are losing life every year due to tobacco related diseases. India has over 26 crore tobacco users, cutting across all demographics and genders. The annual economic costs from all tobacco products were estimated at Rs.177,341 crores in 2017-18 amounting to 1% of India’s GDP.
