The South India times New Delhi: Consumption of tobacco is taking a high toll on the health of Indians as more than 1.3 million people die annually due to tobacco-related diseases in the country. Considering this grave scenario, the People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC), a leading voluntary organization, together with Coalition for Tobacco Free Odisha, held a consultation with Members of Parliament (MPs) on protecting Indians, especially children and youth from tobacco related diseases and cancer.
Parliamentarians from various political parties came together to deliberate and pledge their commitment to stronger tobacco control policies and laws in India at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. Mr. Muzib ulla (Munna) Khan, MP; Rajya Sabha, Mr. Sujeet Kumar, MP, Rajya Sabha, Ms. Sulata Deo, MP, Rajya Sabha; Mr. Niranjan Bishi, MP, Rajya Sabha; Ms. Mamata Mohanta, MP, Rajya Sabha; Mr. Thakor Jugal Lokhandwala, MP, Rajya Sabha; Mr. Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Former Union Minister of state, MP, Lok Sabha.
Speaking passionately in favor of the proposed COTPA amendment bill, Mr. Muzibulla (Munna) Khan, MP, Rajya Sabha said, “Smoking not only harms the smokers but endangers non-smokers when exposed to secondhand smoke.
Treatment of tobacco-related diseases costs much more than the revenue earned from tobacco. Strengthening COTPA is an urgent requirement to save the new generation from falling into the trap of tobacco addiction.”
The Government has initiated the process to strengthen the tobacco control law -Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) COTPA 2003 Amendment Bill, 2020 by addressing the existing gaps. Mr.Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Former Union Minister of State, MP, Lok Sabha said, “We need to strengthen the law for a healthy nation.
A stringent law and its effective implementation are critical to reducing tobacco use in India. Although the law prohibits smoking in public places it is yet continuing. Tobacco has an adverse impact on the environment too. We need to save the next generation.
Mr. Sujeet Kumar, MP, Rajya Sabha said, “The proposed amendments in COTPA is a com- mendable move and we will try to get more MPs on board in support of this national campaign. We will have to save our children from getting addicted to tobacco.
