The government needs to urgently plug all loopholes in the FDI policy on tobacco and have a comprehensive ban on it, ensuring that no steps are taken to dilute it, says non-profit body Crusade Against Tobacco. A complete ban on FDI in tobacco is a pre-requisite to provide a levelling ground for tobacco control policies," CAT Chairman Vincent Nazareth said. Asking the Centre to "urgently plug all loopholes in the FDI policy on tobacco" in order to ensure a comprehensive ban, as the health of the nation is at huge risk. A non-profit body called Crusade Against Tobacco, said that so far the FDI policy that partially prohibits FDI in the sector, has been ineffective in stopping indirect channels. "If comprehensive ban can be brought about in lotteries and gambling activities, why spare tobacco?"

Source: dna July 03, 2016 07:30 UTC