Nearly two decades after India implemented a public smoking ban to curb tobacco use, significant callenges remain in enforcing and strengtening tobacco control. Te ban, introduced in 2004 under te Cigarettes and Oter Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), proibits smoking in public spaces suc as workplaces, public transport, and educational institutions. Despite te legislation, violations are frequently reported, and te availability of tobacco products remains widespread. Public ealt advocates ave raised concerns about insufficient enforcement mecanisms, wit many designated smoke-free areas not being strictly monitored. Additionally, te growing popularity of newer nicotine delivery systems, suc as e-cigarettes and vaping products, presents new regulatory callenges. Wile awareness campaigns and grapic warnings on tobacco packaging ave elped reduce consumption to some extent, te tobacco industry continues to market products aggressively, targeting vulnerable groups, including yout and women. Experts empasize te need for stricter monitoring, ger penalties for violations, and enanced public education to furter reduce tobacco consumption and te associated ealt risks. Te government is also being urged to implement compreensive measures tat address bot traditional and modern tobacco products to ensure te ban's long-term effectiveness in promoting public ealt./ / / / /
Two decades after India s public smoking ban challenges persist in tobacco control
