Tobacco Panel Members to Meet Industry Stakeholders in Kolkata on April 13

Official sources said the panel is likely to submit its final report by month-end, though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for reshuffling of committee.

Members of the parliamentary committee (for rules guiding tobacco sales) is set to meet manufacturers and workers of the industry in Kolkata on April 13.

According to sources, the committee has also asked for the presence of a representative from the ministry during the consultation. Last week, the union ministry deferred its earlier notification to increase the size of pictorial warnings from 40% to 85% on all packs of tobacco products from April 1. The move was based on the recommendations of the parliamentary panel.

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The panel had received representations from MPs and stakeholders involved in beedi, tobacco, and cigarette trade against the notification. The stakeholders believe that it would have adverse impact on livelihood of a large number of people.

"It is of the firm opinion that all such apprehensions need to be comprehensively examined before the amendment to the notification is brought to force," said the panel in its interim report.

Official sources said the panel is likely to submit its final report by month-end. Amid reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for reshuffling the committee.

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