Enforce rule for bigger pictorial warnings of tobacco hazards: State proposal to Centre

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“The state government will also work towards increasing the taxes on tobacco products to 40-50 percent. Currently, taxation on such products is 12.5 percent,” Sawant said.

The issue was raised by Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar who said that in India as per the rules for pictorial warnings currently in force, manufacturers of tobacco products have to display warnings only up to 40 percent of the size of the packet. “In Thailand, it is compulsory to have pictorial warnings covering 85 percent of the packet. In Australia, the norm is 82 percent.”

While the Union government had decided to increase the size of pictorial warnings on tobacco products from April 1, the decision was put on hold indefinitely following the recommendations of a parliamentary standing committee, headed by Gandhi, an MP from Maharashtra. The committee had strongly urged the Union government to keep the proposal on hold. Earlier, Gandhi had also said that there was no Indian study to confirm that use of products leads to cancer and the basis of India’s stance on tobacco products is defined by studies undertaken in a foreign setting.

HIGHER FINE FOR SPITTING

Sawant also added that the Maharashtra government will soon bring a bill to levy stricter penalties on those found spitting in public. While a law against spitting in public places already exists, to enforce it more strictly the government has decided to empower local police officers to penalise offenders, and strengthen legislation to discourage sale and consumption of tobacco products. Those found spitting in public will also need to perform community service for at least one hour.