The National Assembly yesterday adopted the Tobacco Control Amendment Bill 2014 for discussion in the House. The chairman of the legislative committee, Bardo-Trong MP Lekey Dorji, proposed for discussion.
Some of the members raised their concerns over amending the act time and again. “It was they (National Council) who proposed for harsher sentences when the act was passed. Now, they are again proposing for amendment, stating that the penalty is too harsh,” said Khar-Yurung MP, Zangley Dukpa, adding that the act has already been amended twice in three years.
The home minister, Damchoe Dorji, said that it is important to balance between individual’s right and societal problems that it is associated with. “Unless we make a fine balance problems and issues will keep coming up.”
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The Chummig-Ura MP, Tshewang Jurmi, said during his visit to Chamgang jail last week he came across 12 inmates put behind bars for violating the act. He said it is important to look at pros and cons for the benefit of the people properly.
The majority of the members agreed to discuss the bill.
Meanwhile, there is mixed reactions from the general public.
If the National Assembly upholds the decision of the National Council the ban on the sale and distribution of tobacco will be lifted after payment of taxes and duties.
The Act was first enacted in 2010 and was amended twice.
