The Tobacco Epidemic in India is one of the most severe public health threats the country faces today. With nearly 260 million users, India ranks second globally in tobacco consumption. The epidemic has wide-ranging health, environmental, and economic consequences, demanding urgent and sustained action.

Tobacco Epidemic in India: Key Facts and Statistics

The Tobacco Epidemic in India is responsible for approximately 1.35 million deaths annually, making it a leading preventable cause of death. Despite several national and international efforts, tobacco consumption remains deeply entrenched, especially among vulnerable populations.

Global Context of Tobacco Usage

• In 2020, 22.3% of the global population used tobacco.
  
  
• Nearly 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users reside in low- and middle-income countries.
  
  
• India’s vast user base continues to pose a major barrier to global tobacco control goals.
  
  

Consumption Trends in India

• No Major Decline in Usage: According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, there has been no significant reduction in cigarette or bidi use across NTCP and non-NTCP districts. Reasons include poor staffing, low resource allocation, and lack of consistent monitoring.
  
  
• Affordability of Tobacco: Over the past decade, cigarettes, bidis, and smokeless tobacco (SLT) products have become more affordable. The GST regime has made it easier for consumers to access these products due to integrated tax structures.
  
  
• Rising Usage Among Women: Alarmingly, tobacco use among women increased by 2.1% between 2015 and 2021, bucking the overall declining trend.
  
  

India’s Fight Against the Tobacco Epidemic

International Commitment

India is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a global treaty aiming to reduce both demand and supply of tobacco products. It has committed to creating effective national-level strategies to fight the Tobacco Epidemic in India.

World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31st, plays a crucial role in creating awareness about the dangers of tobacco.

National Legislation and Programs

COTPA 2003

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) governs the advertising, sale, packaging, labeling, and distribution of tobacco in India.

National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) 2007

The NTCP was launched to strengthen the implementation of COTPA and FCTC obligations. Key activities include:

• Public Awareness Campaigns
  
  
• Smoking Cessation Services: Including quitlines and behavioral counseling
  
  
• Law Enforcement: Through trained officers for compliance and inspections
  
  

Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA), 2019

This law bans the production and sale of e-cigarettes across India.

mCessation Program

Launched under the Digital India initiative, this mobile-based program supports individuals trying to quit tobacco.

Tobacco Taxation

A 28% GST rate applies to most tobacco products, excluding raw tobacco leaves.

Hidden Costs of the Tobacco Epidemic in India

While health remains the most discussed aspect, the Tobacco Epidemic in India imposes several other hidden costs:

Environmental Impact

• Soil Depletion: Tobacco cultivation rapidly exhausts nutrients, requiring more fertilizers.
  
  
• Deforestation: Processing 1 kg of tobacco needs up to 5.4 kg of wood, contributing to deforestation.
  
  
• Waste Generation: Nearly 1.7 lakh tonnes of waste are produced annually due to tobacco use.
  
  

Economic Burden

• Direct and indirect tobacco-related expenses cost over 1% of India’s GDP.
  
  
• Health expenditures on tobacco-related diseases amount to 5.3% of India’s total health expenditure.
  
  

Challenges to Controlling the Tobacco Epidemic in India

Despite robust frameworks, the Tobacco Epidemic in India continues due to multiple challenges:

Regulatory Gaps

• Non-Compliant Products: Products like gutkha and smuggled tobacco often escape regulation.
  
  
• Weak Penalties: Current fines under COTPA are outdated and insufficient (e.g., ₹5,000 for packaging violations).
  
  

Surrogate Advertising and Loopholes

• Companies promote their brands through indirect advertisements, such as promoting elaichi under tobacco brand names.
  
  
• The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 featured such surrogate promotions for at least two tobacco brands.
  
  

Stalled Legislative Reforms

Amendments to strengthen COTPA proposed in 2015 and 2020 have not been implemented, weakening enforcement capacity.

Industry Influence and Government Conflict of Interest

• Effective lobbying by the tobacco industry hinders stricter regulations.
  
  
• The Indian government owns a 7.8% stake in ITC Ltd., raising concerns about conflict of interest in its tobacco control policies.
  
  

Conclusion: Tackling the Tobacco Epidemic in India

The Tobacco Epidemic in India is more than just a health issue—it's an environmental, social, and economic crisis. Strengthening enforcement, increasing taxation, updating fines, banning surrogate advertising, and addressing government-industry conflicts are essential steps forward.

India’s commitment to international treaties like the FCTC and programs like NTCP and mCessation must be backed with resources, political will, and consistent monitoring to truly curb the Tobacco Epidemic in India.