You must have seen public awareness advertisements in theaters recounting stories of tobacco victims who passed. Furthermore, Tobacco Goods bear the warning label 'tobacco kills'.What's all this for? The answer appears easy but is rather sophisticated as well. Why doesn't the government outright ban tobacco manufacture and consumption if it kills? If such questions jeopardize you, then this is the post for you. Continue reading to learn more about tobacco use in India and the complicated dynamics involved.

The global tobacco epidemic and conflicting interests

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that tobacco kills over 8 million people annually, with India having the largest tobacco-chewing population, leading to over 90% of oral cancer cases. This Fight Against Tobacco consumption is a multidimensional one, with governments all over the world involved. On the one hand, governments spend substantially on awareness efforts to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco usage. On the other hand, they continue to allow the sale and licensing of tobacco products, resulting in a confusing and paradoxical scenario.

India's Tobacco Industry Overview

• Generates substantial revenue of INR 1.5 to 2 trillion annually.
• India ranks second in Tobacco Production and export globally, following China and Brazil.
• Serves one of the largest global tobacco markets, 9% of the world’s tobacco production
• Contributes significantly to government revenue through taxes, sales, and exports.
• Possessed significant health risks and economic burdens due to healthcare costs.

Government initiatives against tobacco

India's Anti-Tobacco Measures

• The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA): Prohibits smoking in public places, direct and indirect advertising, and sale of tobacco products to minors. Mandates the display of pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packages.
• The National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP): Launched in 2007, focuses on awareness generation, capacity building, enforcement of tobacco control laws, and monitoring and evaluation of tobacco use prevalence.

School and Community-Based Initiatives:

• Conduct educational programs and awareness campaigns.
• Focus on youth education on tobacco use.
• Promote tobacco-free lifestyles.

Way forward

The dilemma surrounding tobacco is ongoing. Over time, greater consumption patterns have exacerbated the situation, increasing the mortality toll, but the market size has also grown. The enormous revenue produced cannot be neglected because monetary rewards frequently outweigh moral considerations. At Ezivote, we strive to address issues that require public attention while also giving appropriate respect to a wide spectrum of perspectives. What are your thoughts on the tobacco dilemma? Do you feel it should be a personal choice free of Political Control, or should governments prohibit it? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.