India to Ban Sales of Single Cigarettes to Reduce Tobacco Use

If you are a smoker who enjoys purchasing cigarettes in loose form, then this information is relevant to you. The government is planning to prohibit the sale of individual cigarettes in order to reduce tobacco usage. It has been reported that in an effort to decrease tobacco usage, the parliamentary standing committee has proposed not to sell single cigarettes.

According to multiple reports, the parliamentary standing committee has recommended restricting the sale of single-pack cigarettes as a means to reduce tobacco consumption.

Three years ago, the central government banned the sale and use of electronic cigarettes based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health.

According to the Standing Committee of the Parliament, the sale of loose cigarettes is having an impact on efforts to combat tobacco use.

The Indian government should levy a 75% Goods and Services Tax on tobacco products in line with World Health Organization recommendations. Currently, the country levies a 22% Goods and Services Tax on beedis, 53% on cigarettes, and 64% on smokeless tobacco, according to the latest tax bill.

The executive committee noted that although there has been an introduction of goods and services tax, the tobacco tax has not increased significantly.

The commission emphasized that the use of tobacco and alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer.

India has officially prohibited smoking in public spaces, violations of which could result in fines of up to 200 rupees. The government has also banned tobacco advertisements.

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