Expressing concern over the health hazards, the Health and Family Welfare Department has suggested for an increase in the tax on tobacco.
The Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department Secretary, in a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance has suggested increase in tax on tobacco products in order to discourage its use among the poor people. This is because of the health hazards associated with consumption of tobacco.
Besides, the H&FW Department has also suggested to the School and Mass Education Department and the Higher Education Department to include chapters on health hazard of tobacco use in textbooks to create awareness among the students and young generations about the health hazards due to it.
This apart, the H&FW Department has also sought help of the Housing and Urban Development Department, the Information and Public Relations Department, the Excise Department and the Agriculture Department to make their contributions to implement the anti-tobacco laws and discourage people of using such products.
Similarly, in a letter to the authorities of the East Coast Railway, the Health Secretary has requested them to take necessary steps to stop sale of gutkha and other tobacco products in railway platforms and trains.
The H&FW Department’s move has come in the backdrop of a recent Supreme Court case where the court sought report on the Ankur Gutkha versus Indian Asthma Care Society and others.