Bill banning tobacco products advertisements approved

NEW DELHI: In a significant measure against tobacco consumption, the Union Cabinet tonight approved a bill to impose a total ban on advertisement of tobacco products.
The Cigarette and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) Bill, will be introduced in the current session of Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the meeting, chaired by prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The Bill seeks to protect non-smokers from the hazards of passive smoking, discourage new entrants, including adolescents, from consumption of tobacco products and also those consuming tobacco products to give up its use, she said.
Swaraj said the legislation will arm the Government with powers to launch an anti-tobacco programme effectively.
Asked whether the ban would also cover private television channels, she said it would not only include private channels but also print media.
The bill was referred to the Joint Standing Committee which had recommended some amendments which were incorporated in the bill.