tobacco control in India
tobacco control in India, based on the provided report. This is particularly relevant for UPSC General Studies Paper II (Health & Governance) and Paper III (Economy).
Tobacco Control in India: The Taxation and Regulation Challenge
Despite being the world’s second-largest consumer and producer of tobacco, India’s fiscal measures to curb consumption are currently falling short of international benchmarks. While taxes have risen, the "affordability" of tobacco products remains a significant hurdle in public health efforts.
1. The Current Taxation Gap
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that taxes should constitute at least 75% of the retail price of tobacco products to effectively deter consumption. In India:
* Cigarettes: Recent tax hikes account for only 53% of the retail price.
* Beedis: The GST rate on beedis—which are more prevalent than cigarettes—has been reduced to 18%.
* The Problem: Because tax increases have not kept pace with the consumer inflation index, tobacco products have become more affordable over time rather than more expensive.
2. Public Health Impact
Tobacco use is a primary driver of mortality in India, accounting for approximately 1.35 million deaths annually.
* Health Burden: Linked to cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and strokes.
* Economic Impact: The cost of treating tobacco-related illnesses far outweighs the revenue generated from tobacco taxes.
* Vulnerable Groups: Low-income users and the youth are the most price-sensitive; the failure to reach the 75% tax benchmark directly impacts these demographics.
3. Industry Interference and Tactics
A significant barrier to effective policy is the influence of the tobacco industry. Experts highlight several "interference" strategies:
* Lobbying: Direct attempts to influence tobacco control-related policies in favor of the industry.
* Subversion: Efforts to derail consensus during global summits, such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
* Environmental Neglect: Beyond health, the industry contributes to massive pollution through trillions of cigarette butts containing plastic filters and leaching harmful chemicals into the environment.
4. Correlation Between Tax and Consumption
Data suggests that fiscal policy is one of the most effective tools for behavior change:
* A 2017 study indicated that a 10% increase in VAT rates was associated with a 17.2% decrease in cigarette smoking among men and a 6.5% decrease in dual use (cigarettes and beedis).
* Higher prices act as a barrier to entry for new, younger users.
Conclusion & Way Forward
To align with global best practices and meet public health goals, India must consider:
* Uniform Taxation: Bridging the tax gap between cigarettes, beedis, and smokeless tobacco to prevent "product switching."
* Harmonization with Inflation: Ensuring tobacco taxes increase at a rate higher than inflation to reduce affordability.
* Strict Enforcement of FCTC: Protecting public health policies from the vested interests of the tobacco industry.
* Environmental Regulation: Addressing the ecological footprint of tobacco waste through stricter manufacturing regulations.
> UPSC Prep Note: "The Tobacco Control Policy in India is a classic example of the conflict between 'Revenue Generation' and 'Public Health.' For a welfare state, the latter must always take precedence."
Source The hindu