Very soon, those under the age of 21 years may not be allowed to smoke cigarettes. The Union Health Ministry, say reports, is thinking of raising the legal age for tobacco consumption from the current 18 years to 21 years. The Modi government wants to give more teeth to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. As part of this, the legal age will be increased very soon.

A legal sub-group has already made the recommendation in this regard to the government. Experts have always felt that 18-21 years is the phase when most male youths take to smoking. They do it either because of peer pressure or for the sake of it. Some of them see it as fashionable to smoke. Knowing this well, tobacco companies cleverly target their products to reach them.

An increase in the fine amount imposed on those who violate rules is also on the cards. Curbing illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco will be taken up with a renewed focus.