Should Tamil Nadu Increase the Legal Age for Tobacco Use to 21 Years?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Tamil Nadu to raise the legal age for tobacco use from 18 to 21. Drawing from Karnataka's recent legislation, he stresses the need for urgent action to combat rising tobacco addiction among the youth. Discover the health implications and global practices influencing this critical decision.
Key Takeaways
- Raising the legal age for tobacco use can significantly reduce youth smoking initiation.
- Countries like France and Canada have successfully implemented similar laws.
- Inadequate enforcement of smoking bans highlights the need for policy improvements.
- Addressing tobacco use is crucial for public health.
- Anbumani Ramadoss emphasizes the importance of prioritizing youth health.
Chennai, June 2 (NationPress) PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has called upon the Tamil Nadu government to follow Karnataka's lead and elevate the legal minimum age for acquiring tobacco products, including cigarettes, from 18 to 21 years.
In his statement, Anbumani pointed out that Karnataka has modified the relevant sections of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 — a law enacted at the national level — to raise the age limit and intensify penalties for infractions.
These amendments have been enacted following Presidential approval.
Anbumani Ramadoss, who held the position of Union Health Minister during the initial introduction of COTPA, stressed that raising the legal age is essential for mitigating long-term tobacco dependency.
“Individuals who start smoking at a younger age are significantly more likely to maintain the habit throughout their lives. Increasing the age to 21 can substantially help in preventing initiation,” he stated.
He referenced global examples, noting that over 20 countries, including France, Austria, Canada, Bhutan, Belgium, and Brazil, have adopted rigorous tobacco control measures.
“In India, approximately 120 million people consume tobacco, leading to around 1.3 million deaths annually due to tobacco-related illnesses,” he added.
A recent study by the WHO revealed that 25% of men and 15% of women over 18 in India are smokers — a trend that underscores the need for immediate policy action.
He reminded that a draft legislation was proposed in 2021 to raise the smoking age nationwide to 21; however, it remains unimplemented.
The PMK leader expressed concern regarding the Tamil Nadu government’s inadequate enforcement of current public smoking restrictions and called for more decisive actions.
“Tamil Nadu is failing to properly enforce the existing ban on public smoking. The state government, in collaboration with the Centre, should consider incrementally raising the legal age by one year each year so that India can gradually progress towards becoming a smoke-free nation,” he urged.
Anbumani Ramadoss concluded his appeal by urging the Tamil Nadu government to prioritize the health of its youth and adopt stricter tobacco control measures that align with global best practices.
Point of View
It is crucial for governments to act decisively against tobacco use among youth. The call by Anbumani Ramadoss to raise the legal age for tobacco purchase in Tamil Nadu aligns with international best practices aimed at reducing addiction rates. Effective enforcement and progressive legislation are vital to safeguard public health.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a push to raise the legal age for tobacco in Tamil Nadu?
Raising the legal age for tobacco use aims to reduce youth smoking initiation and long-term addiction, as studies show younger smokers are more likely to continue the habit.
What changes were made in Karnataka regarding tobacco laws?
Karnataka amended the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act to increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21 years and enhanced penalties for violations.
How many people in India are affected by tobacco-related diseases?
Nearly 120 million people use tobacco in India, with approximately 1.3 million deaths occurring each year due to tobacco-related illnesses.
What international examples support this initiative?
More than 20 countries, including France, Canada, and Brazil, have implemented similar laws to raise the legal age for tobacco use to combat public health issues.
What is the current enforcement status of public smoking bans in Tamil Nadu?
The Tamil Nadu government has faced criticism for ineffective enforcement of existing public smoking bans, prompting calls for stronger measures.
