85% pictorial warnings on tobacco packs must not be withrawn: Panda

New Delhi

Warning against “lobbying and pressure tactics” by tobacco companies on the issue of 85 per cent pictorial warnings on package tobacco products, a BJD member in the Lok Sabha today asked the government to commit that it will not withdraw its decision.

Baijyant Jay Panda’s remarks in the Zero Hour came days after some members spoke against the government’s decision, which has come into effect from the last month, claiming that it has affected the livelihood of farmers cultivating tobacco.

“I urge the government to stand up and make a statement that this 85 per cent pictorial warning on tobacco packages will not be withdrawn and that it must be strictly implemented,” Panda said.

He spoke amid the din created by Congress members against the government’s statement on the Italian marines issue.

“Government issued a notification that from of April 1, tobacco packages must have larger pictorial warnings covering 85 per cent of the tobacco package. This is very very good. It has been delayed by one year. It was originally announced for April 1 of the last year.

“It is very good but it is not enough because the government has to stand up and ensure that the lobbying and the pressure of the tobacco companies do not delay this. Some of them are indulging in pressure tactics,” he said.

PTI