Is Tobacco Use Among Women Really Declining?
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Synopsis
The recent report by Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav reveals a significant decrease in tobacco use among women and adolescents in India. With detailed surveys and effective legislative measures, the government is actively working to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health.
Key Takeaways
- Decline in tobacco use among women: From 20.3% to 14.2%.
- Adolescent tobacco use: Reduced from 14.6% to 8.5%.
- COTPA 2003: Comprehensive legislation regulating tobacco products.
- National Tobacco Control Programme: Launched in 2007 to raise awareness and enforce regulations.
- Tobacco Free Youth Campaign: Annual initiative empowering youth against tobacco.
New Delhi, July 29 (NationPress) The usage of tobacco among women and adolescents is on the decline, as reported by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, during a session in Parliament on Tuesday.
In a written response in the Rajya Sabha, Jadhav highlighted this decrease, referencing two international surveys.
“According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) -I (2009-10) and GATS-2 (2016-17) conducted among individuals aged 15 and above, tobacco use among women has dropped from 20.3 percent to 14.2 percent,” the Minister noted.
He further stated, “The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) aimed at school-aged children between 13 and 15 years revealed a reduction in tobacco use from 14.6 percent (GYTS-3, 2009) to 8.5 percent (GYTS-4, 2019).”
Jadhav elaborated on the initiatives implemented by the Health Ministry to curb tobacco consumption among women and children in India.
The Ministry has enacted comprehensive legislation, known as the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003), to monitor tobacco products and discourage their use.
“COTPA, 2003 includes provisions that prohibit smoking in public areas, ban the sale of tobacco products to and from minors, restrict the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions, and prohibit both direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products. Additionally, it mandates clear health warnings on all tobacco product packaging,” Jadhav stated.
In 2007, the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was initiated to mitigate tobacco use, raise awareness about its detrimental effects via ongoing public campaigns, and ensure the effective enforcement of COTPA 2003.
As part of these efforts, the Ministry conducts an annual 60-day Tobacco Free Youth Campaign aimed at educating the youth about the risks associated with tobacco and empowering them to resist or quit usage.
The Government has also imposed a complete ban on electronic cigarettes, including heat-not-burn devices, under the “Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019,” Jadhav added.
Point of View
It is heartening to witness a tangible decline in tobacco usage among women and adolescents. This reflects the effectiveness of ongoing awareness campaigns and legislative measures. Continued efforts are essential to maintain this positive trend and safeguard public health.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest percentage of tobacco use among women?
The latest survey indicates that tobacco use among women has decreased to 14.2%.
What initiatives are in place to curb tobacco use?
The Indian government has enacted COTPA 2003 and launched the National Tobacco Control Programme to regulate and discourage tobacco consumption.
How does tobacco use among adolescents compare?
Tobacco use among adolescents has reduced from 14.6% in 2009 to 8.5% in 2019.
What is the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign?
This is an annual initiative aimed at educating young people about the dangers of tobacco and empowering them to resist its use.
What legislation bans electronic cigarettes in India?
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, enforces a complete ban on electronic cigarettes, including heat-not-burn products.
