TWA demands ban on all tobacco products

Note: ToxicsWatch Alliance (TWA) demands ban on all tobacco products including smokeless tobacco.

It has been noted that approximately 80,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported annually in India. Chewing tobacco and gutkha contributes significantly to these cases.

TWA has come across reports about the letter of directors of 17 regional cancer centres in India who have written to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and the Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad demanding ban on smokeless tobacco products. TWA

A Global Adult Tobacco Survey found that about one-third of the Indian population, including a large number of children and youth, is addicted to smokeless tobacco. The survey was released in October 2010.

TWA seeks change in the classification of tobacco as an agricultural or food product. It should be classified as an addictive substance.

TWA is deeply disturbed by the growth of the tobacco market in India. It was estimated to be worth around $13.5bn in 2009. It grew at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% during 2004-09.

According to Datamonitor's newly introduced product series titled "Market Insights" released from New York on April 26, 2011, "Chewing tobacco was the key market in terms of market value accounting for around 55% of the total market value. Cigarettes was the second largest category, contributing to around 44% of the market value. Cigars and cigarillos category witnessed the fastest growth of around 34.6% during 2008-09." The rate of cancer caused in such a scenario is terrifying.

Gopal Krishna
TWA
3000 students take out anti-tobacco rally in Kashmir town

Srinagar, Apr 28 (PTI) About 3000 students drawn from different schools today marched through the streets of north Kashmir Bandipora district''s main township to educate people about the ill effects of tobacco comsumption.

The rally, organised by police as part of a sustained anti-tobacco campaign, was flagged off by District Development Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor Ahmad Lone and Superintendent of Police Bandipora Bashir Ahmad Khan.

The students carried banners and distributed pamphlets depicting various ill effects of the tobacco and chanting anti-tobacco slogans.