Explained | The recommendation to ban the sale of single cigarettes 

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended in its latest report that the government ban the sale of loose cigarettes and increase taxes on all tobacco-related products

The story so far: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in its latest report about cancer management, prevention and diagnosis recommended that the government institute a ban on the sale of single sticks of cigarettes. It also recommended that the government increase taxes on all tobacco products and utilise the acquired revenue for cancer prevention and awareness.

The Committee observed that there is an urgent need to disincentivise the consumption of tobacco and alcohol in the country. It noted that tobacco consumed in different ways accounts for nearly 50% of all cancers, collectively referred to as tobacco-related cancers — which can be prevented. 

Broadly, the measures endeavour to curb consumption as well as the accessibility of tobacco products, including cigarettes.  

The report, pointing to the National Health Policy’s (2017) endeavour for a relative reduction in current tobacco use by 30% in 2025, suggests that it is imperative that the government take effective measures to contain the sale of tobacco products. To this effect, it recommends that the government prohibit the sale of single sticks of cigarettes and lay stringent penalties and fines on offenders.  

It also suggests that the government abolish all designated smoking areas in airports, hotels and restaurants in addition to encouraging a smoke-free policy in organisations. 

The Committee also foundthat India has the lowest prices for tobacco products and thus, it must look to increase taxes on them. The revenue acquired from additional taxation, it proposes, could be used for cancer prevention and awareness.  

These measures flow from the observation that oral cancer accounts for the highest proportion of cancer cases in the country.