Ban on loose cigarette sale put on hold

New Delhi: The health ministry’s proposal to ban sale of loose cigarettes is likely to be put on hold following objections by some MPs, including some Union ministers, and farmers associations against taking the drastic regulatory steps.

At a meeting called by Union minister Venkaiah Naidu, health minister J.P. Nadda assured the MPs that he will look into all issues pertaining to tobacco and arecanut growers and industry before taking any policy decision.

Union ministers besides MPs from two major tobacco-producing states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, were present at the meeting where Mr Nadda was told to address all concerns and not to take any hasty step.

Mr Naidu said tobacco and arecanut are two important cash crops and in many parts; the livelihood of farmers depends on them.