(a) whether Tobacco smoking and chewing are causing serious health problems and even untimely deaths in the world over;
(b) if so, the rate of deaths on this count in our country;
(c) whether despite ban on tobacco incentives are being given on the production of cigarettes, growing of tobacco in North-Eastern States;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether import of cigarettes is also proposed or already being allowed in the country; and
(f) if so, the justification thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY
WELFARE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI N.T. SHANMUGAM)
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. Tobacco is a major Public Health problem the world over and is responsible for about 3.5 to 4 million deaths annually. A few community based surveys conducted in India measures the mortality rates amongst tobacco users and non-users, and based on these studies it is estimated that, 8 lakh deaths annually could be attributed to tobacco use in India.
(c) to (f): As part of a package of excise duty exemption that has been extended to the North-Eastern States, tobacco products are also exempted from excise duty.
As far as import policy is concerned, cigarettes are not permitted for import, except against a licence or in accordance with requirements of Public Notice. Cigarettes continue to be under the list of items which are covered under quantitative restrictions as on 31.3.2000.