NewKerala.com

Key Points

India has seen a notable decline in tobacco use among women and adolescents. The government credits strict laws like COTPA 2003 and awareness campaigns for this positive trend. Youth tobacco consumption nearly halved from 14.6% to 8.5% in a decade. Health officials continue anti-tobacco efforts through programs like the annual Tobacco Free Youth Campaign.

Key Points: India Reports Decline in Women and Youth Tobacco Use

  • Tobacco use among Indian women fell significantly over a decade
  • Youth consumption dropped by nearly half since 2009
  • COTPA 2003 bans smoking in public places and ads
  • Govt enforces complete ban on e-cigarettes since 2019
2 min read

Tobacco use among women declines from 20.3pc to 14.2pc: Centre

Union Health Ministry data shows tobacco use among women dropped from 20.3% to 14.2%, while youth consumption fell to 8.5%.

"There is a decline in tobacco use among women from 20.3% to 14.2% - Prataprao Jadhav"

New Delhi, July 29

Tobacco use among women and adolescents has declined, said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, in the Parliament on Tuesday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Jadhav stated the decline in tobacco use, citing two global surveys.

“As per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) -I (2009-10) and GATS-2 (2016-17) conducted among the age group of 15 years and above, there is a decline in tobacco use among women from 20.3 per cent to 14.2 per cent,” the Minister said.

“The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted for school-going children of age group 13-15 years reported a decline in tobacco use from 14.6 per cent (GYTS-3, 2009) to 8.5 per cent (GYTS-4, 2019),” he added.

Jadhav also shared the measures undertaken by the Health Ministry to reduce tobacco consumption among women and children in the country.

The Ministry enacted a comprehensive legislation, namely the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003), to regulate the tobacco products and to discourage the consumption of tobacco.

“The provisions under COTPA, 2003 and the Rules made thereunder prohibit smoking in public places, ban on sale of tobacco products to and by minors, sale of tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards of educational institutions, prohibition on direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products and mandatory display of specified health warnings on all tobacco product packs,” Jadav said.

In 2007, the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was launched to discourage the use of tobacco, create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption through regular and sustained public awareness campaigns, and ensure effective implementation of the provisions under COTPA 2003.

As part of these, the Ministry launches a 60-day annual Tobacco Free Youth Campaign to educate young people about the dangers of tobacco and empower them to resist or quit its use.

The Government has also enforced a complete ban on electronic cigarettes, including heat-not-burn products, under “The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act,2019, Jadhav.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the decline is good, 14.2% is still too high. In rural areas, many women still use smokeless tobacco like gutka. The government needs stricter enforcement near pan shops and better rehabilitation programs.
A
Ananya R
The ban on e-cigarettes was much needed! Many of my college friends thought vaping was 'cool' and harmless. Now they're realizing the dangers. Kudos to the health ministry for taking bold steps.
V
Vikram M
I appreciate the efforts, but implementation is weak. Near my daughter's school in Delhi, shops still sell cigarettes to minors. The 100-yard rule exists only on paper. Need more surprise checks and heavier fines!
K
Kavya N
As someone who quit smoking last year, I can say the graphic warnings on packets really helped change my mindset. The disgusting images made me think twice before lighting up. More such impactful measures please!
S
Siddharth J
The numbers look promising, but I wonder if the surveys captured rural areas properly. In many villages, women chew tobacco openly without realizing the health risks. We need grassroots awareness programs in regional languages.
M
Meera T
This is a positive step for women's health! Now if only we could address the social stigma that prevents many women from seeking help to quit. Many hide

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50