To mark the “World No Tobacco Day”, Delhi is observing a dry day. In this regard, activities like intensive sensitisation and awareness drive is organised for a month between May 16 and June 16.
Meeting of state level coordination committee held on May 29 under the chairmanship of chief secretary, GNCTD was attended by secretary (H & FW), principal secretary (Finance), principal secretary (social welfare), commissioner VAT, commissioner food safety, additional secretary (law) and additional CP (central district) Delhi Police, representative from labour and education department.
To protect people from ill effects of tobacco, all chewable products will be banned in Delhi. In this regard, Commissioner Food Safety have been instructed to issue necessary notification with consultation of law department, GNCTD. In order to restrict indirect and surrogate advertisement of tobacco product through Inter State Bus Services, transport department GNCTD will follow up this matter with other state transport departments. If required they will undertake punitive actions against violation.
For increase in tobacco tax, finance secretary has said that the maximum VAT rate in Delhi for any product is 20 per cent and for tobacco products, 20 per cent VAT is already imposed. To increase VAT, it requires amendment in current laws. Apart from that this is a policy matter where government has to take decision. At present Delhi has no elected government, thus they have suggested to keep this matter in front of state empowered committee so to take a concrete action.
All these activities as a special intensive drive will continue for another 15 days and after that it will be back on regular mode so as to declare Delhi as tobacco free capital of India.