Nada India Foundation News update

In the picturesque town of Dharamshala, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Nada India Team encountered a cab driver with a story that unraveled the complex relationship between affordability, individual choices, and the potential impact of health taxes on tobacco consumption. Cab Driver's Profile: In 1995, this cab driver embarked on his journey as a taxi driver, and with it began his journey with tobacco. Starting with cigarettes, he later transitioned to bidis, driven by economic considerations. Currently, he smokes four to five bidis or cigarettes daily, spending approximately Rs.40-50 on his smoking habit. Financial Impact: The cab driver's narrative sheds light on the direct correlation between the cost of tobacco and his consumption habits. The affordability factor plays a pivotal role in shaping his choices. If tobacco prices were to decrease, he expressed the intention to smoke more. Conversely, a rise in prices would compel him to either switch entirely to bidis or ...

The call to action extends to the imperative need for strengthening tobacco control laws, such as the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). These laws must not only be robust but also inclusive, specifically designed to shield children from the insidious marketing tactics employed by the tobacco industry. Ayesha's words echo the sentiment that children deserve a safe environment, free from the influence of harmful substances. In the relentless fight against substance abuse, particularly concerning children, the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act emerges as a crucial ally. As we navigate the intricate challenges posed by tobacco products and drug use, our attention is drawn to the transformative role played by dedicated members of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) hailing from Telangana, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. Currently undergoing training at the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) in Delhi, these individuals stand at the forefront of safegua...