Chennai, May 2 (IANS). PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Center to enact a landmark law to ban the sale and consumption of tobacco products for persons born in 2009 or later. Its objective is to create a ‘smoke free generation’ in India.
In her letter to the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Anbumani drew attention to the serious public health crisis arising due to tobacco consumption.
He argued that a generation-wide ban could prove to be a revolutionary step in reducing the burden of addiction and disease across the country.
Citing global and national estimates, the PMK leader said around 267 crore Indians currently consume tobacco in some form or the other, making India one of the largest consumers globally. He also pointed out that tobacco-related diseases cause more than 13 lakh deaths every year in the country, putting a huge strain on the healthcare system and the economy.
Drawing comparisons to international efforts, Anbumani noted the United Kingdom’s proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to gradually raise the legal age to purchase tobacco, effectively eliminating smoking among the younger generation. He urged India to adopt a similar legislative framework in line with its demographic and public health needs.
He said tobacco is one of the leading causes of cancer and non-communicable diseases in India, accounting for about 40 to 50 percent of cancer cases. He stressed the urgent need for decisive policy intervention.
Recalling her tenure as Union Health Minister from 2004 to 2009, Anbumani highlighted several anti-tobacco measures introduced during that time, including a nationwide ban on smoking in public places and the introduction of health warning images on tobacco packaging. He said these steps have significantly increased awareness, but added that more robust and far-sighted policies are now needed.
–IANS
ms/