According to sources paving the way for a complete ban on e-cigarettes, the rajya sabha on monday passed the Prohibition of Electronic cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Bill, 2019, by voice vote and the Bill has already been passed by the lok sabha for replacing the ordinance promulgated last September. When replying to members on the Bill, Union health minister harsh vardhan urged them to pass the legislation unanimously in the larger interest of the children.

 

The minister said "There is evidence now that e-cigarettes are very harmful. They can become a bigger menace than tobacco one day. So, the intention of the government has been to nip the problem in the bud itself, while most members in the house supported the ban on e-cigarettes, some of the MPs wanted to know why conventional cigarettes aren't banned as they are equally or even more harmful". Furthermore many opposition members also expressed reservation over bringing the ordinance and introducing the Bill without sending the same to a Parliamentary Standing Committee.

 

Perhaps on why all tobacco products are not being banned, harsh vardhan said that he would be the happiest person if that happens. The minister said "You see, in a country as vast as india, once a particular product has a very big consumer base and social acceptance, it is in fact very, very difficult to ban it". Apparently on the reasons for bringing the ordinance, the minister said that apart from other things, some of the big tobacco companies changed their names and started making plans to enter India.

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