The Tobacco Control Act 2012, instead of curbing the sales and consumption of tobacco products in the country has led to the rise of black market. Realising the futility of such an act, the National Council will deliberate on the amendment of the act in the upcoming parliament session.
The Chairperson of the legislative committee of the National Council, MP Kuenlay Tshering, said he is not in a position to share the nitty-gritty of what will discussed about the act. But, he said, they will definitely look into the penalty.
“…We are in the process of consulting the stakeholders; we are in the process of discussing among ourselves, so these are some of things that we would like to address. The penalty is it too harsh for such a tiny crime or it is too lenient, so the laxity of penalty is questioned.”
In the upcoming session of the Parliament, which begins from January 22, the National Council will deliberate on amendment of National Council Act 2008. Office of Attorney General Act 2006 and Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Substance abuse Act 2005 will also tabled for discussion in the house. The parliament is tentatively scheduled to end on February 18.
