India to declare all work places as tobacco-free

July 20, 2007

News- India to declare all work places as tobacco-free

The government on Friday announced that all places of work in the country will be declared smoke free and those found flouting the law will be strictly punished.
"All workplaces in India will be tobacco-free and this will come into enforcement in another three to four months time," Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said.

He was speaking to reporters after receiving the World Health Organisation Director-General's Special Award for taking several initiatives for tobacco control in the country.

The minister said the law will be implemented in restaurants, hotels, airports and all those places where people work.
"People can then smoke on roads or homes, provided their wives allow them," he said, adding that even at home they will have to seek the permission of their maids as they are their employee.

"Anyone flouting the law will be strictly punished." He said the law will be strictly applied keeping in mind the smoke-free indoors policy WHO, which was adopted as passive smokers are found to be more at danger as compared to those who actually smoke.
"We need to protect our women and children," he said.

Ramadoss also announced setting up of a Health Minister Cancer Fund, which he said will be run by professionals and reputed individuals.
Inviting corporates and multi-national companies to contribute for the fund, he said the money will be used to treat those youngsters suffering from cancer.

there are one billion new cancer cases every year. We want to help out the deprived section of the society. Let us fight till India is declared tobacco-free," he said.
Ramadoss said there are existing laws under which punishment can be given to those who smoke at workplace.
"We have existing laws. But they are not followed. But we are going to implement them now. This law will be applicable to all buildings and offices," he said.

On receiving the award, he said, "I dedicate the award for the people of India, especially those who have lost their lives because of smoking and they could have been saved.
"It is just the beginning. We have to get lot many awards. This is the beginning of our war against tobacco. We have a long way to go and we will fight till the end. Indians will come together and say enough is enough. That day is not far when India is tobacco free. We have to collectively fight together with passion."

Citing the example of a village, Varnavasi in Tamil Nadu, Ramadoss said that the village head, who is an illiterate man, has declared the village as tobacco-free.
He also cited the example of Chandigarh which is the first Indian city to be tobacco-free.
The minister said 40 per cent of all diseases are due to tobacco. While the tobacco industry is worth Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion), the spending on treatment and creation of awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco cost the same, he said.

online available at- http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/20smoke.htm

Maid will decide if you can smoke at home!

The Economic Times

July 26, 2007

News- Maid will decide if you can smoke at home!

NEW DELHI: If you want to smoke at home, you will have to seek the permission of your maid. This is the new directive of Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, who wants to make India, including homes and workplaces, tobacco-free. The tobacco-free workplaces rule will come into effect in another three to four months, he told reporters here today.

“All workplaces in India will be tobacco-free. People can then smoke on roads or homes, provided their wives allow them. But even at home, they will have to seek the permission of their maids as they are their employees,” said Ramadoss. “All places of work in the country will be declared smoke -free and those found flouting the law will be strictly punished. This rule will apply wherever there are employees working,” he said.

Ramadoss said this will be implemented in restaurants, hotels, airports and all places where people work. The law will be strictly applied, he said, keeping in mind the smoke-free indoors policy of WHO, which was adopted as passive smokers are found to be more at danger as compared to those who actually smoke. “We need to protect our women and children,” he said after receiving the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director- General’s Special Award for several initiatives for tobacco control in the country.

Ramadoss also announced the setting up of a Health Minister’s Cancer Fund, which he said will be run by professionals and reputed individuals. Inviting corporate and multinational companies to contribute to the fund, he said the money will be used to treat youngsters suffering from cancer. “There are one billion new cancer cases every year. We want to help the deprived section of society. Let us fight till India is declared tobacco-free,” Ramadoss said.

online available at- http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Maid_will_decide_if_you_can_smoke_at_home/articleshow/2222097.cms

Even smoking at home can be a crime

The Economic Times

July 26, 2007

New Delhi

News- Even smoking at home can be a crime

NEW DELHI: Forget bars and restaurants, even smoking at home in the presence of a domestic help might invite action from the government. Minister for health and family welfare Anbumani Ramadoss said on Friday that the government would soon take stringent measures against smoking at all public places or any place where there is an employee.

“We are going to take stringent measures against smoking at public places like hotels, bars and restaurants... in fact, any place where there are employees,” Ramadoss said, speaking at a ceremony here where he was awarded the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General's Special Award for Tobacco Control for the year 2007.

“Even at home, if you smoke and there is a maid present, action can be taken against you,” he said. “If you have to smoke, then go to the roads.” The minister said The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003 was an effective Act, but it was the enforcement that needed to be tightened.

“We have got a very vibrant Act on tobacco control, but the enforcement has been loose. We are soon going to set up a drug regulatory authority which will help us in our fight against tobacco.” Ramadoss said the new authority would be a professional body and the US’ Federal Drug Agency (FDA) has given lots of inputs for this.

Apart from thanking the WHO, family, friends and colleagues for the award, the minister also thanked the media. “I have to thank a very special group for this award. It is called the media. It is the media that called me a ‘fool’ and ‘stupid’ and even questioned my MBBS degree when I called for a ban on smoking in films and television.” He said every year, there are a million cases of cancer in India because of tobacco use.

“We spend Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) annually on tobacco control. Our fight will continue and I am confident that India will soon become a tobacco-free country,” the minister added. Congratulating Chandigarh for becoming the first city in India to be tobacco-free, the minister said: “In Tamil Nadu, there is a village called Varanavasi where the panchayat leader is an illiterate. And he has gone on to make the village totally free of tobacco. These are the people who will help us make India a tobacco-free nation.” Earlier, presenting the award to Ramadoss, WHO regional director, South-East Asia, Samlee Plianbangchang commended the minister for carrying out an effective campaign against tobacco.

“Dr Ramadoss has efficiently and effectively steered the process of implementing rules and regulations related to the ban on tobacco smoking in public places and on tobacco advertising, as well as restricting access to tobacco products by youth,” he said. Giving damning statistics about tobacco use in India, the WHO regional director said: “India is the third-largest producer of tobacco leaves in the world, after China and Brazil. Ninety-five billion cigarettes and 850 billion beedis are produced in India every year.”

He lauded Ramadoss for the steps he has taken to “safeguard future generations from the devastating consequences of tobacco use”. The WHO award is given annually to mark the World No Tobacco Day. According to the WHO, the award is a “global recognition of the dynamic leadership” of Ramadoss under which India took rapid strides in tobacco control.

“The tobacco control measures initiated and implemented by the ministry of health and family welfare under the able stewardship of Dr Anbumani Ramadoss have been widely acclaimed at the regional and global levels, and have set a praiseworthy precedent for other countries to follow,” he said, reading out from the citation for the award. The WHO award is given annually to mark the World No Tobacco Day. According to the WHO, the award is a “global recognition of the dynamic leadership” of Ramadoss under which India took rapid strides in tobacco control.

online available at- http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Even_smoking_at_home_can_be_a_crime/articleshow/2222415.cms

Warning: Poison

Warning: Poison

News- Times of India

July 17, 2007

The skull and bones symbol is the most easily recognised warning sign. Areas or products with this sign are avoided. To do otherwise would be to court danger, even death. Then why is the information and broadcasting ministry coy about using the sign on tobacco product packages?

In countries where the issue is taken seriously to safeguard public health, graphic health warnings are accompanied by statements like: 'Smoking can cause a slow, painful death' and 'Tobacco smoke can kill babies', covering 40-90 per cent of surface area of the package. In India, most cigarette packs carry a statutory warning: 'Cigarette Smoking is Injurious to Health'. In fine print, located at the bottom of the face of the packet, the warning, barely visible, is more in the nature of an apology. Cautionary notices warning cigarette smokers against the ill effects of tobacco are more an obligatory ritual than a serious campaign to deter tobacco users.

That all tobacco products — including cigarettes, bidi and gutka — ought to display the skull and bones sign was recommended by a standing committee of Parliament in the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Bill, 2000. In the wake of growing opposition from tobacco growers, members of Parliament and ministers have become reluctant to support any overt display of deterrent signs on tobacco products.

The argument is that such signs would scare consumers away from these products, adversely affecting demand, forcing a million workers out of their jobs. This, however, need not happen. Tobacco companies, like ITC, for instance, are diversifying to hotels and agro-products, moving away from tobacco, and more jobs are being created in these areas. Even if it does cause temporary dislocation, that by itself does not make smoking a healthy activity that cannot be discouraged. Society often has to assert choices in favour of outcomes that enhance the general well-being of people even if there is a temporary cost to bear for certain groups. Symbols are important in a country like India where literacy rates are low and superstition rides high.

Bidi and gutka are consumed largely by the poor, most of who are illiterate. When developed countries worldwide are moving away from tobacco use, by imposing bans in work and public places and levying heavy fines on violators and vigorously promoting anti-smoking awareness campaigns, why are countries like India and China acting shy?

online available at- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/Warning_Poison/articleshow/2205654.cms

Meeting on tobacco inconclusive

The Hindu

July 12, 2007

News - Meeting on tobacco inconclusive

GoM will meet shortly, says Anbumani Ramadoss

NEW DELHI: The Group of Ministers (GoM), set up to decide on the issue of having pictorial warnings on tobacco products, met here on Wednesday, but could not reach any conclusion.
Speaking to reporters, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said several issues were raised during the two-hour meeting, such as apprehensions of loss of jobs and religious sentiments over the proposed warning. “We are going to meet again shortly … perhaps within this month,” he said.
The meeting was chaired by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and attended by Union Ministers Kamal Nath, Priyaranjan Das Munsi, Jaipal Reddy and Oscar Fernandes.
The main issue was a proposal by the Health Ministry to display the “skull and crossbones” symbol on the packets of all tobacco products as a warning about the ill-effects of tobacco use.
The warning was approved by a Parliament sub-committee in 2003, and was scheduled to come into effect from last month. It has been kept in abeyance following opposition, in particular from the beedi industry. Several parties and leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, which have a large beedi industry, have given representations to the Government against the warning.

Stringent steps

Pointing out that studies had shown that about 1 million cases of cancer were diagnosed every year and that nearly half of cancer cases in men were tobacco-related, Dr. Ramadoss said countries across the world were taking stringent steps to curb tobacco consumption, following the adoption of an international framework convention.
The United Kingdom, for instance, had banned smoking in workplaces and public places and so had Ireland.

online available at- http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/12/stories/2007071253130900.htm

News- GoM meet on issuance of warning on tobacco products

News- GoM meet on issuance of warning on tobacco products

July 13, 2007

Zeenews.Com

New Delhi, July 11: The government is set to take a final view today on the controversial issue of displaying skull and crossbones warning on tobacco products, especially bidi. A Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, will meet today after an earlier meeting on May 23 deferred the matter till mid-June in the absence of quorum. The warnings on all tobacco products were to come into effect from June 1.

The review of the implementation of the decision to display pictorial warnings on all tobacco products came following immense pressure on the government ever since health ministry announced that all tobacco products should carry warnings, covering half of the package. Several MPs and political parties from states like Andhra Pradesh having large bidi industry, had opposed the move saying it will affect the industry.

online available at- http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=381995&sid=BUS&ssid=50

News- Tobacco board chief paints rosy picture

News- Tobacco board chief paints rosy picture

The Siasat Daily

July 12, 2007

Rajahmundry, July 10: The Central Tobacco Research Institute’s research committee meetings were inaugurated here on Monday at CTRI complex. M. Mahadevappa, former Chairman of Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, in his inaugural speech said that the tobacco research has its importance in view of the global scenario.
Tobacco Board chairman J. Suresh Babu, who is the chief guest, said that the crop size as well as the average price of Indian tobacco was on the rise this year. Foreign exchange earnings were Rs. 1,713 crores and total excise revenue earnings were Rs. 9,100 crores.
“Our research efforts should be directed towards finding a breakthrough for SLA farmers who are at disadvantageous position. Fuel saving techniques and water conservation methods should be priority areas in research,” he said.
CTRI director Veeeranki Krishnamurthy gave a power-point presentation on various issues related to tobacco. He said that India retains its position as the third largest producer of tobacco and third largest exporter of FCV tobacco in the world. The KLS tobacco tops in average price and NLS tobacco tops in productivity with 1,950 kg/ha.

online available at - http://www.siasat.com/english/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=193105&Itemid=63&cattitle=Andhra%20Pradesh

Tobacco curbs: India leads alternative crop plan

Tobacco curbs: India leads alternative crop plan

By- Bobby Ramakant
Rediff Business News
4 July 2007

Today -- two days before the 148 nations' meet on global tobacco treaty comes to an end in Bangkok -- India demonstrated leadership on behalf of countries in South-East Asian Region to integrate agricultural diversification and alternative crops to tobacco in the comprehensive tobacco control as FCTC proposes. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is the first global corporate accountability and public health treaty in the world.
The 2000 report of the World Health Organization Committee of Experts on Tobacco Industry Documents reveals transnational tobacco corporations' strategy to make prominent use of the International Tobacco Growers Association. The report continues, "ITGA claims to represent the interests of local farmers. The [tobacco corporations'] documents, however, indicate that tobacco companies have funded the organization and directed its work. Through their persistent outreach to officials from developing countries, these companies gradually built a support within UN agencies and structures, most notably the World Health Assembly and Food and Agriculture Organization."
Though transnational tobacco corporations like Philip Morris/Altria, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco use sophisticated public relations machinery to claim that tobacco-related agriculture creates jobs and boosts economic development, the facts speak otherwise. Transnational tobacco corporations have created a supply system that exploits farmers while assuring growth in corporate profits. In February 2007, the Ad-hoc Study Group on Agricultural Diversification and Crop Alternatives to Tobacco of FCTC held its first session in Brazil.
Tobacco industry attempts to interfere in agricultural diversification:
Transnational tobacco corporations have supported and sustained a production system that has undermined human health and stifled human development. Therefore, in keeping with WHA Resolution 54.18 and FCTC Article 5.3, these corporations should not be at the table discussing alternatives to tobacco production.
Acting as a mouthpiece for the tobacco industry, ITGA and its country chapters have spread misinformation and attempted to influence tobacco growers in countries such as Brazil , Argentina , India , South Africa , Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya as a strategy to slow down or block ratification and implementation of the FCTC. The chief executive of ITGA spoke on behalf of eight government and non-governmental organizations at the public hearing on agricultural diversification and alternative crops to tobacco held in Brazil in February 2007, claiming to represent governments and farmers, while neglecting to reveal ITGA's connection to the tobacco transnationals.
Tobacco corporations' involvement in Brazilian tobacco control policy is especially troubling. Brazil's sectoral chamber for the tobacco production chain includes representatives from Souza Cruz (British American Tobacco's Brazilian subsidiary), the association of Brazilian tobacco growers (an arm of the International Tobacco Growers Association with its own well established ties to BAT), and Brazil's ministry of agriculture, among others. The chamber provides a direct forum for tobacco industry representatives to meet formally with members of government about tobacco control policy, in violation of Article 5.3 of the FCTC. As the world's second-largest producer of tobacco, Brazil provides a powerful case study on the dangers of creating space for the tobacco industry in deliberations about tobacco control.
The social and economic failures delivered by the production system engineered by transnational tobacco corporations make it incumbent upon governments to implement Article 5.3 of the FCTC fully -- which includes shielding their efforts to develop alternatives to tobacco-intensive agriculture from the transnational tobacco corporations that have a vested interest in maintaining the current failed system.
In this regard, the working group on social and economic challenges for tobacco alternatives and crop diversification noted, "the tobacco industry may have influence on regional policymakers and legislators, and on the regional agricultural policy."
Support to farmers and tobacco growing countries is vital.

Only five of the 125 tobacco exporting nations derive more than 5 per cent of their export from tobacco. These five nations are concentrated at the bottom of UNDP's 2006 Human Development Index: Uganda , Zimbabwe , United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi , and the Central African Republic . Far from being a path to prosperity, tobacco production paves the way to poverty.

Tobacco corporations, their subsidiaries and affiliates should play no role in decisions related to agricultural diversification because, as highlighted by the study group, the industry's definition of diversification differs fundamentally from that of the public health community.

It is vital that the FCTC find ways to support the farmers, agricultural workers, and communities that have grown dependent on a tobacco economy. These nations suffer development set-backs as a result of their tobacco production.

Wealthy countries that have chartered, assisted and benefited from the international expansion of tobacco transnationals bear a responsibility to make transition away from tobacco-dependent economies viable. FCTC urges developed countries to channel resources, based on specific requests, to developing countries for implementation of the convention.

FCTC should also advance proposals for debt relief for farmers tied to transnational tobacco corporations through the current financing system, and communicate clearly about phased transitions that support farmers and build their trust in tobacco control measures.

Online at: http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/04tobacco.htm

MDG Goals at the mid point of fifteen years

Indepth op-ed on MDG's Goals at the mid point of fifteen years, published in Jansatta, on June 29, 2007.

By- Amit Dwivedi

Award for Anbumani

Award for Anbumani

2 July, 2007

NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has conferred the Director-General’s Special Award to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss for his outstanding contribution to tobacco control. The Award is given annually to mark the World No Tobacco Day.

According to WHO, the Award is a “global recognition of the dynamic leadership” of Dr. Ramadoss under which India took rapid strides in tobacco control.

His efforts and determination in banning tobacco usage scenes and surrogate tobacco advertisements in films and television have been widely commended by the global community.

Dr. Ramadoss has initiated the pilot National Tobacco Control Programme which integrates multiple measures to reduce tobacco use, especially among rural populations.

According to S.J. Habayeb, WHO representative to India, Dr. Ramadoss’ contributions are not limited to India, but have spilled over both regionally and globally.

“His leadership has encouraged many countries in the South East Asia region and elsewhere to develop and adopt comprehensive tobacco control measures,” he said.

online available at :-http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/29/stories/2007062955501500.htm