The Speaker of the National Assembly declared the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2021 as an Urgent Bill today. The Economic Affairs Minister presented on the need to lift the ban on the sale of tobacco products in the country at the National Assembly today. The Minister said this is considering the threats of spreading COVID-19 through the country’s porous southern border. The Bill is referred to the Legislative Committee of the house for further review. It will be tabled to the National Assembly on Thursday this week for the third reading.
The Economic Affairs Minister said the risks of transmitting COVID-19 given the increasing smuggling incidences along the country’s porous border. The Minister added the change will allow persons to sell, distribute, buy, possess, and transport tobacco or tobacco products in the country.
“The Delta virus which is now in the country is spreading rapidly. We conducted a study and discovered that the virus is spread by people who use tobacco and tobacco products. It was discovered that due to a lack of accessibility and a high market price, they were forced to smuggle tobacco products,” said Loknath Sharma, the Economic Affairs Minister.
As per the RBP’s records, over a hundred people were arrested in connection with the smuggling of tobacco goods during border sealing from March last year to June this year. Tobacco smuggling incidences were reported from Phuentshogling, Samtse, Gelegphu and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Meanwhile, the MPs supported the proposal on the basis that the ban lift should be used only as a temporary measure until the pandemic situation improves.
“There is a danger and we must handle it. We are in favour of it. If an amendment is required then it should be done as a temporary solution until the COVID-19 situation improves,” said Dorji Wangdi, the Opposition Leader.
“We should support it if it is amending till the situation improves. However, if it is changed permanently then the youth will be encouraged to consume tobacco products in the future. It will be extremely difficult for them to stop once they start,” said Choki Gyeltshen, Maenbi-Tsaenkhar Constituency’s MP.
Meanwhile, as per the Press Release from the Prime Ministers Office, the submission is to repeal the legal provisions that restrict the import and sale of tobacco in the country. The rest of the provisions like restrictions on smoking in public places, institutions and offices, public transports and entertainment centres will stand as per the existing law. The government’s intention is to come up with more stringent regulations within the country.
The press release further states that it is important that this is not about promoting tobacco or encouraging its consumption. The intent and the spirit of the Act remains the same.
Pema Seldon Tshering
