Tobacco industry: Problems and policy implementation gaps in India

Regulations by The News Minute

Jun.02.2022

Although there are strict regulations banning or limiting the use and ingredients used in tobacco products, the implementing institution is yet to play a pro-active role in controlling tobacco abuse.

Tobacco production and export is a huge industry in India. According to the Union Finance Minister, as of 2021 the tax revenue from GST, excise duty, compensation cess on tobacco for the last three years stood at Rs 53,750 crore. India is also one of the leading tobacco exporting countries, with exports of leaf tobacco and tobacco products contributing around Rs 6,000 crore annually in terms of foreign exchange to the government. However, little attempt has been made to control and check the abuse in the tobacco industry; tax evasion, illicit tobacco trade and gutka scam have remained a continuous and uncontrolled peril.

The ill-effects of tobacco is not a mystery to us. According to a WHO report, about 1.3 million deaths occur every year due to tobacco-related illness. There are about 273 million tobacco users, and India is the second largest producer and consumer of tobacco globally. Although there are strict tobacco usage and advertisement policies, and health systems to treat tobacco addiction, we have not made substantial progress in recent years.

Source:The News Minute