In a recent move, the Jharkhand Government has imposed a ban on the consumption of tobacco products by all State Government employees. This rule is aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle among government officials and as a decisive step to curb the widespread use of tobacco in the state.
Mandatory Abstinence from Tobacco
The State Government has necessitated that all state government employees furnish an affidavit stating their intention of refraining from consuming any form of tobacco. The list of prohibited tobacco products includes but is not limited to cigarettes, bidi, khaini, gutkha, zarda, supari and pan masala. In addition to these traditional forms, smokeless tobacco products like e-hookah, e-cigarettes and hukka have also been brought under this prohibition.
Execution and Implementation
This edict, effective from April 1st, 2021, was ratified in a meeting of the National Tobacco Control Programme’s state chapter. The primary motive behind this decision was the execution of the COTPA (Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003). However, no specific punitive measures have been outlined for violating this order.
Bringing Behavioural Change
For sustained effects, the government has also begun initiatives to bring behavioural change. This involves utilising panchayat level institutions to promote awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco. Zila Parishads, Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats have been directed to organise discussions on tobacco control in every gram sabha meeting.
Enhanced Vigilance
To ensure effective implementation of the ban, the Police Force has been asked to increase their surveillance at checkposts to prevent the entry of prohibited tobacco products. Earlier in April 2020, Jharkhand had banned the sale and consumption of tobacco products in public areas, including online sales, due to the increased possibility of Covid-19 infections.
Tobacco Control Measures in India
India ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004, thus taking the first significant step towards tobacco control. Subsequently, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was introduced in 2003, replacing the limited Cigarettes Act of 1975.
In addition to these, the country also introduced other programs and laws for reducing tobacco consumption. The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) launched in 2008 aimed at controlling tobacco consumption and reducing deaths related to it.
In 2020, the government enforced the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, which demanded the printing of enhanced pictorial health warnings on all tobacco products.
Digital Measures for Tobacco Cessation
By harnessing the power of technology, India launched mCessation in 2016. It uses text messages for helping individuals quit the use of tobacco, aligning with the government’s Digital India initiative.
Tobacco: An Air Pollutant
The Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1981 identified smoking as an air pollutant. Furthermore, the Cable Television Networks Amendment Act of 2000 prohibited the transmission of tobacco and liquor ads in India. Besides, regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 prohibit the use of tobacco or nicotine in food items.
