Wake up call-Indian govt. tightening noose on FDI in tobacco

the recent indication on complete ban on FDI in tobacco is a welcome move. I have always been surprised by the shortsightedness of Indian politicians and bureaucrats but this time something good has come out. of course there is a possibility that the decision was taken because of great lobbying efforts by ITC and local players in the industry but still it serves multiple purposes. First of all these tobacco companies target where it hit the most .....the youth.... it has been observed that most of the cigarette companies target youth because they easily become loyal customers.(US cigarette brand CAMEL is known for such tactics) No. of Cancer patients due to first and second hand smoke are on rise. Interestingly despite the efforts by Health ministry such as warnings on cigarette packets there is hardly any impact on the no. of smokers . looking from another angle it can be noted that despite the fact that tobacco and liquor companies make huge contribution to the Exchequer the indirect cost in terms of medical facility is mind numbing. given the fact that India contribute less than 3% of its GDP in health facilities. The no. of incidents ,where common man's inability to afford healthcare facilities, are on rise as always. Every year the a large chunk of patients fail to get basic medical facilities. With lack of proper infrastructure the economic growth have been biased so far and poor people had little or no share in this growth. lets hope that reform in health services take speedy route.

Cigarette addicts may not see brands like Marlboro Camel, Virginia slims or Salem....... but as of now it seems that they will have to settle for Wills, gold flake and 4 square.