(a) whether the Government is aware that a study funded by the Indian Cancer Association has revealed that the number of tobacco users among the teenagers has almost doubled in the Metros since 2001;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the details of the action taken by the Government to educate the younger generation about the health hazards of tobacco smoking or chewing; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to enforce legal action against the smokers who smoke in public places?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a), (b) & (c) A news item published in the newspaper Hindustan Times dated 2nd March 2005 reported that the number of tobacco users among the teenagers in metros has almost doubled since 2001. The said study was not commissioned by the Government and details of the report are not available.
While information, educational and communication activities are undertaken from time-to-time through print, electronic and other media, the Government has enacted the “The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003†banning smoking in public places including educational institutions; sale of tobacco products to minors; and sale around educational institutions specially to protect the health of children and youth.
(d) The State Governments, which are the main implementing agencies, have been requested to put in place appropriate mechanisms for proper enforcement.