Public Health and Tobacco Use: Finding a Balanced Approach

Abstract Tobacco consumption in India leads to significant health problems and high death rates. It is thus imperative for the agencies to take prompt action. The Government imposes taxation on tobacco products as one of the strategies. Higher tariffs on tobacco products are expected to make tobacco use less affordable, which will reduce its prevalence. The main goal of tobacco product taxes is to discourage consumption, but they also give the Government a sizeable revenue stream. The primary challenge is balancing the demand for money and public health concerns. India’s tobacco product taxes, as of now, are complicated due to the extensive range of tobacco products that are accessible. Depending on different tax regimes, cigarettes, bidis, smokeless tobacco and cigars are subject to different tax rates. The Government’s efforts to comply with international accords like the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control demonstrate its dedication to reducing tobacco consumption. Hence, the tax system in India is complex and has remained changing over time. Strengthening the tax administration while striking a balance with public health states is very challenging. Understanding this balancing system is crucial for healthcare workers. Accordingly, the review looks into ‘how India formulates and implements tobacco product taxation policies to balance public health and revenue generation’.