Tamil Nadu must become tobacco-free: Minister Venkataraman
Chennai, May 30
Tamil Nadu Food and Civil Supplies Minister P. Venkataramanan on Saturday called for greater public participation in the fight against tobacco addiction and in ensuring transparency in the Public Distribution System, urging citizens to directly report ration shop irregularities and assuring swift action against the hoarding or diversion of essential commodities.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a tobacco awareness rally at Marina Beach to mark World No Tobacco Day, the Minister stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns to reduce tobacco consumption and safeguard public health.
"Tamil Nadu must become a tobacco-free state. The harmful effects of tobacco have been known for decades. It is our collective responsibility to work towards eliminating tobacco use and creating a healthier society," Venkataramanan said.
The Minister noted that tobacco addiction continues to affect a significant section of the population, leading to serious health consequences and social challenges. While several organisations and individuals are actively engaged in de-addiction efforts, he said, awareness remained the most effective tool in preventing people, particularly the younger generation, from falling into addiction.
"Many people continue to suffer because of tobacco dependence. Though rehabilitation and de-addiction initiatives are being carried out across the state, creating awareness is equally important. Only through continuous public education can we build a stronger, healthier, and more productive society," he said.
Highlighting the government's commitment to public welfare, Venkataramanan said the state administration was actively working to resolve long-pending grievances raised by citizens and improve the delivery of essential services.
"People continue to bring forward issues and demands that have remained unresolved for years. The government is addressing these concerns systematically and is committed to ensuring that welfare schemes reach beneficiaries without delay," he said.
On the issue of the functioning of ration shops, the Minister urged the public to remain vigilant and report any irregularities directly to the Food and Civil Supplies Department. "If anyone has complaints regarding ration shops, they can approach us and submit their grievances. The department will investigate every complaint. If ration rice or any other PDS commodities are found to be hoarded, diverted or misused, immediate and stringent action will be taken against those responsible," he warned.
When asked about Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's next visit to New Delhi, the Minister declined to comment.
— IANS
Reader Comments
With due respect to the Minister, these awareness rallies have been going on for years. What we need is strict enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act at the ground level. Pan shops sell to minors openly on every street corner in my locality. 😡 And on PDS - yes, people should report, but the department should do suo motu inspections too. Don't shift the burden entirely onto citizens.
I'm a college student in Trichy and I can tell you - peer pressure is real when it comes to smoking. Instead of just rallies, why not include tobacco de-addiction programs in school curriculum? Prevention starts early. Also, stop glamorizing smoking in movies - Tamil cinema is big culprit here. Good move on ration shops though, my family has faced issues with kerosene diversion in the past.
As a retired government school teacher from Madurai, I welcome this initiative. Tobacco destroys families - I've seen brilliant students drop out due to addiction. But the government should also ensure that farmers who grow tobacco get alternative livelihood support, otherwise they'll suffer. On PDS, finally someone talking about the rice mafia! 👊 But has anyone noticed he avoided questions about the CM's Delhi visit? Politics as usual.
Good words, but I'll believe it when I see it. My ration shop in Avadi has been overcharging for sugar for months - complained multiple times, no action. On tobacco, nice speech, but what about the thousands of vendors who depend on tobacco sales for livelihood? Any rehabilitation plan for them? Or is it just moral posturing? 🤔
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