Tobacco Ads to be Banned in Kerala

3 October 2013
Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said advertising of tobacco products would soon be banned in the state in keeping with Section 5 of the Indian Tobacco Control Act, 2003.

Speaking to IANS, Mr Chandy said he had not yet heard of the directive that was reportedly sent by the union health secretary to all chief secretaries in the states, seeking implementation of Section 5 of the Tobacco Control Act.

“If the directive has come, then no one need doubt that our government will take the necessary steps to see that the rule is implemented in letter and spirit,” Mr Chandy said.A top government source told IANS that the union health secretary’s directive to this effect had been received by the Kerala chief secretary

Section 5 of the Tobacco Control Act restricts all forms of advertisement (direct, indirect/surrogate), promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. Section 6 of the Act prohibits sale of tobacco products to those below 18 years of age.

“My government’s policy is quite clear. We do not wish to do anything that will promote tobacco products . We have already banned pan masala (a chewing mixture often tobacco-laced) in the state. And now this directive will be implemented at the earliest,” Mr Chandy said.

Additional Director AS Pradeep Kumar of the state health services said children are most affected by tobacco products. More than 30 percent of children in Kerala suffer from respiratory diseases.The state recently announced that shops selling cigarettes cannot give matchboxes or lighters to those looking to smoke up right there.

Source– http://www.ndtv.com

Found Useful? Do Share: Tobacco Ads to be Banned in Kerala: