India has reaffirmed last week its commitment to a World Health Organisation (WHO) tobacco-control treaty, despite lobbying from its $11 billion industry that opposes some measures in the treaty that will be discussed at a conference this week.
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Delegates from about 181 countries are attending the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) conference near New Delhi on the only global anti-tobacco treaty, held under the aegis of the World Health organisation (WHO).
The treaty aims to deter tobacco use that kills about 6 million people a year, including about a million in India.
Farmers, Tobacco Industry Seek Leniency
Reuters reported a fortnight ago that tobacco industry groups were lobbying the government with letters and signature campaigns to safeguard the interest of farmers and to ensure that no "unreasonable" proposals are adopted at the conference.
Last week, tobacco farmers protested outside the health ministry and the WHO regional office in New Delhi asking the government to boycott the conference.
More than 100,000 farmers also sent the government a petition seeking protection from FCTC rules.
‘Protect Our Livelihoods’
Tobacco groups want India to include farmers in its official delegation. A health ministry official said last week the government would not agree to their requests.
The tobacco industry has been at odds with the federal government this year over a rule requiring makers to print bigger health warnings on packages.
The WHO FCTC conference decisions, designed for implementation at national level by signatories, have a direct bearing on the nearly $800 billion global tobacco industry.
Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim
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