Crippling tobacco industry

Tobacco industry makes a crippling effect on India. On the face of it, this may sound indignant as the tobacco industry contributes $1.62 billion annually, largely from cigarette-tax revenue, as per Planning Commission's figures.


A more detailed understanding of the subject would reveal that the annual direct health cost of three tobacco- related diseases (cancer, coronary artery diseases and chronic obstructive lung diseases) is $6.32 billion.


All the more debilitating is the fact that the Indian tobacco industry uses 1.7 million child labourers in the bidi rolling sector. The industry favours children for they are more agile at rolling bidis.


For all their hard work, children earn less than $2 a day. Body pain and posture problems due to long hours (10-14) of sitting the same position and exposure to lung diseases like tuberculosis and asthma are just some of the bonuses!


Besides, the children are deprived their rightful education and a chance to live their childhood.


Little wonder on the productivity loss that the country will face when 1.7 million children grow up without education or any other life-enhancing skills!


Image courtesy and source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southasia/view/1207174/1/.html
Ref: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-29/india/31254073_1_tobacco-production-world-lung-foundation-cigarette-production