PAVING THE ROAD TO TOBACCO FREE INDIA – COVERED AND UNCOVERED

According to the recently concluded (GATS?India 2016–2017), tobacco use is a major public health challenge in India, with 267 million adults consuming tobacco in different forms. Besides enacting comprehensive tobacco control legislation (COTPA, 2003), India was among the first few countries to ratify WHO the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004. The National Tobacco Control Programme was piloted during the 11th Five Year Plan which is under implementation in 42 districts of 21 states in the country.By continuing to make tobacco control a top priority through strengthening the existing laws, we can build on our success and create a tobacco?free country.