Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...
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WHO Representative Declares "Tobacco Industry Has Blood on Its Hands" on World No Tobacco Day

WHO Representative Declares "Tobacco Industry Has Blood on Its Hands" on World No Tobacco Day



On World No Tobacco Day, the WHO representative to India, Roderico H Ofrin, delivered a stark message in Delhi, accusing the tobacco industry of targeting young people and being responsible for the premature deaths of half of its users. 


Targeting Youth for Profit


"The tobacco industry has blood on its hands," Ofrin stated, highlighting how the industry designs and sells products that ultimately kill half of their users prematurely. He emphasized that to sustain their business, tobacco companies must continually recruit new users, primarily targeting the youth. "You have to start them young so that they can earn more because eventually, they'll stop if they get sick," he added.


Report Findings: Hooking the Next Generation


Ofrin referenced a WHO report titled "Hooking the Next Generation," which reveals that the tobacco and nicotine industry designs products resembling gadgets or toys and uses aggressive marketing campaigns on platforms like Netflix and Amazon. The industry also shapes policy environments to attract young users, often sponsoring sports events.


Alarming Statistics on Youth Tobacco Use


The WHO representative shared concerning statistics from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey in India. Tobacco prevalence among 13 to 15-year-old school children stands at 8.4%, with 11.4% of children starting to smoke before the age of seven. Additionally, 24% use smokeless tobacco products like hookah and Zabut. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the tobacco industry's strategy to target young children.


The Power of Social Marketing


Ofrin emphasized how the tobacco industry leverages knowledge about addiction, social marketing, and advertising to entice young users. He stressed the importance of the 2024 World No Tobacco Day theme, which focuses on protecting children from tobacco industry interference, calling it a critical imperative for safeguarding future generations.


India's Legislative Measures


Highlighting India's efforts, Ofrin mentioned new measures to counteract the tobacco industry's tactics, such as updating regulations for over-the-top platforms like Netflix and Amazon to prevent the depiction of tobacco use. India has also been a global leader in regulating tobacco depiction on these platforms and enacting the prohibition of electronic cigarettes, with significant achievements in tobacco control.


Call to Action


Ofrin concluded his address with a call to action: "We must join hands to shield young people from manipulative practices by sensitizing the public about the tobacco industry's tactics, protecting tobacco control policies from industry influence, and exposing their deception. Together, we can protect the youth and spread the message that it is smart not to start."


Relevant Laws and Regulations


1. Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003: This act regulates the advertising, sale, and consumption of tobacco products in India. It includes provisions for health warnings on tobacco products and restrictions on advertising.

2. Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019: This act prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes in India.

3. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: This act includes provisions to protect children from being used in illicit activities, including the sale and distribution of tobacco products.

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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