Recently, the Maharashtra government has imposed a ban on the sale of loose cigarettes and beedis. This action comes in an effort to diminish the consumption of tobacco and to follow the guidelines established by the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003.
Similar Actions in Other States
Maharashtra is not the first state to take such action, Chhattisgarh banned the sale of loose cigarettes in 2020 and Karnataka did the same with loose cigarettes, beedis, and chewing tobacco back in 2017.
Rationale Behind the Ban
The primary purpose behind the ban is to ensure that consumers can see the health warnings mandated to be displayed on the packaging of cigarettes. According to the guidelines provided by COTPA, tobacco products must carry graphic health warnings on their packaging. The sale of loose cigarettes does not comply with this regulation. Section 7 of the Act details that no person should produce, supply, or distribute any tobacco products unless the package bears the required health warning labels.
Tobacco Consumption in India: A Snapshot
Data collected from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2016-2017 revealed that Maharashtra had the lowest prevalence of tobacco smoking in the country. The survey enlisted responses from 74,000 individuals aged 15 years or older. The findings showed that over 91% of smokers in India believe smoking leads to serious illness. Moreover, it was found that 10.7% of all adults in India smoke tobacco.
Impact on Consumer Expenditure
According to the study, an average monthly expenditure for a daily cigarette smoker in India is approximately Rs 1,100, whereas expenditure for a daily beedi smoker is about Rs 284. The study further demonstrated that 68% of smokers, 17% bidi smokers, and 50% of smokeless tobacco users in India purchase loose tobacco.
Implications of the Ban
While the effectiveness of the bans depends on their extent and strict enforcement, a 2017 study published in the Journal of the Scientific Society indicates that increasing tax on tobacco products is one of the most effective measures against tobacco consumption. However, making tobacco products more expensive can result in increased sales of loose cigarettes.
Tobacco Control Measures in India
India follows the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) provisions for controlling tobacco use. The treaty was established under the World Health Assembly’s supervision and came into effect in February 2005. Measures implemented under the FCTC include price and tax measures, graphic warnings on tobacco packages, a ban on tobacco marketing, and support for smokers looking to quit.
COTPA 2003 and Other Tobacco Control Measures
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), enacted in 2003, replaced the Cigarettes Act of 1975. The Act encompasses all forms of tobacco products and mandates clear health warning labels. The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was launched in 2008 with an objective to control tobacco use and reduce related deaths. Further, the Act was amended in 2020 to mandate that the specified health warning shall cover at least 85% of the package’s principal display area.
mCessation Programme: A Digital Initiative
In 2016, as part of the government’s Digital India initiative, mCessation was launched. This programme uses mobile technology for tobacco cessation through two-way messaging between the person seeking to quit tobacco use and the programme specialists who provide dynamic support.
Policy Measures for Tobacco Control
To effectively control tobacco usage, there is a need for a comprehensive policy, easily accessible and affordable cessation services, and alternatives for those engaged in tobacco cultivation, processing, and manufacturing. Public awareness can be enhanced through campaigns, educational programs in schools, and strong graphic health warnings. Furthermore, the proportion of individuals purchasing loose cigarettes has been observed to decrease with increased levels of education and awareness.
