Chennai, May 2: PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the central government to enact a historic law that would prohibit the sale and consumption of tobacco products for individuals born in 2009 or later. The aim is to create a ‘smoke-free generation’ in India.
In his letter to the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Anbumani highlighted the serious public health crisis arising from tobacco use. He argued that a generational ban could prove to be a revolutionary step in reducing addiction and disease burdens across the country.
Citing global and national estimates, the PMK leader noted that approximately 267 million Indians currently consume tobacco in some form, making India one of the largest consumers globally. He also pointed out that tobacco-related diseases cause over 1.3 million deaths annually in the country, placing immense pressure on the healthcare system and the economy.
Comparing international efforts, Anbumani referenced the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the United Kingdom, which aims to gradually raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco, effectively eliminating smoking among the younger generation. He urged India to adopt a similar legislative framework that aligns with its demographic and public health needs.
He emphasized that tobacco is a leading cause of cancer and non-communicable diseases in India, responsible for nearly 40 to 50 percent of cancer cases, and stressed the urgent need for decisive policy interventions.
Reflecting on his tenure as Union Health Minister from 2004 to 2009, Anbumani highlighted several anti-tobacco measures initiated during that time, including a nationwide ban on smoking in public places and health warnings on tobacco packaging. He acknowledged that while these steps significantly raised awareness, there is now a pressing need for more empowered and visionary policies.