[Intl-tobacco] Indian cabinet approves bill to ban tobacco ads

[Robert Weissman]

Indian cabinet approves bill to ban tobacco ads

Last Updated: 2003-02-19 16:00:09 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Shailendra Bhatnagar

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's cabinet cleared on Wednesday a bill
banning cigarette and other tobacco advertising, paving the way for the
measure's introduction in
parliament.

The proposed legislation will be put before parliament for approval in
the current session that began this week, cabinet spokeswoman Sushma
Swaraj told reporters.

The tobacco bill would impose a "total ban on advertisement of tobacco
products on all types of print and electronic media," she said after the
cabinet meeting.

The bill would also empower the government to restrict the sale of these
products around educational institutions.

"The proposed legislation will arm the government with powers (to run)
an anti-tobacco programme effectively," Swaraj said. "It will discourage
new entrants including
adolescents from consuming tobacco products."

Analysts said the legislation could have a negative impact on tobacco
companies, which are already grappling with falling sales due to
increased taxes and a ban on smoking
in public places.