With only a few days left for the deadline for implementation of the increased pictorial warning (PW) on cigarette packs, health experts and anti-tobacco activists fear the tobacco industry may resort to last-ditch attempts to scuttle the notification.
The Union government had issued a notification in 2014 making it mandatory for tobacco companies to display graphic health warning on 85 per cent of the principal display area of all packs, but it is yet to come into force. After several delays, the implementation date has been set for April 1, 2016.
“Today, we have only 40 per cent warning, which means 160 per cent of the space is kept for advertisement and promotion. On the contrary, we should warn more than advertise,” said Vishal Rao, oncologist and member of the Karnataka government’s high power committee on tobacco control. Recently, the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, formed to advise the government on the issue, recommended 50 per cent PWs on both sides of cigarettes packets, and on one side of beedi and smokeless tobacco packets.
“This will remove the benefit of the earlier notification seeking increased pictorial warnings,” said Upendra Bhojani, Assistant Director, Institute of Public Health. The notification is only recommendatory in nature, and not binding, said Dr. Rao.
"The tobacco industry has lost in every court and is looking for last-minute shortcuts to have their way," he added.
In February, the Karnataka High Court lifted the stay on enforcement of the new rules enhancing the area for displaying health warning to 85 per cent on the packs of tobacco products.
