PHA-Exchange> Tobacco Control Bill set to become Act - The Hindu

[Work for a Better Bangladesh]

Tobacco Control Bill set to become Act - The Hindu

  National
Monday, May 12, 2003

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI May 11. The comprehensive Tobacco Control Bill cleared by both 
the Houses of Parliament in the just-concluded Budget session regulates 
advertisement, production, supply and distribution of tobacco products and 
bans smoking in public places.

After its introduction in the Rajya Sabha, this landmark legislation the 
Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and 
Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) 
Bill, 2001 was referred to the Standing Committee of Parliament. It was 
re-introduced and passed in the upper House and later passed in the Lok 
Sabha. In the words of the Health Minister, Sushma Swaraj, tobacco "gives 
more loss than gain in terms of wealth and health''.

The Bill will become an Act after President gives his assent.

The World Health Organisation has been urging the member-countries to bring 
in a comprehensive legislation pointing out that if unchecked tobacco would 
kill more people than the combined death figure from Malaria, TB and 
Maternal and Child diseases. Accordingly, India has now complied with this 
demand. The Bill prohibits all forms of direct and indirect tobacco 
advertising; total ban on sponsoring of any sport/cultural events by 
cigarette and other tobacco product companies; prohibits smoking in public 
places and public conveyance. It prohibits selling of tobacco products to 
persons below the age of 18 and within 100 meters of educational 
institutions. The imposition of a fine up to Rs. 200 for offences relating 
to smoking in public places and sale of tobacco products to minors.

<http://www.hinduonnet.com/stories/2003051202741200.htm>http://www.hinduonnet.com/stories/2003051202741200.htm



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