New Delhi: There is more bad news for cigarette smokers as there could soon be an age limit for smokers. Three months into being in power, the Narendra Modi government is working on curbing the consumption of tobacco products.
After raising taxes on cigarettes and calling for a countrywide ban on sale of tobacco products, sources have told CNN-IBN that the Centre is considering banning branding on cigarette packets, raising the age limit on tobacco consumption to 25 years from the present 18 years and substantively increasing penalties for smoking in public.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had constituted a committee of experts last month to suggest changes to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003. The report is expected by the end of this month.
The Supreme Court had last week issued notice to the Centre and all states on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on cigarettes and bidis in the country. There is already a ban on selling cigarettes and bidis near educational institutions and to those under the age of 18 years.
Six years ago, India had also banned smoking in public places as well. However, violations have been easy to spot ever since.
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