BACKGROUND: The use of tobacco leads to health, social, economic and environmental burden. A comprehensive law was enacted in May of 2003 to protect the public health - The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The Act aims at prohibiting the advertisement of, and to provide for the regulation of trade, commerce, production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products including prohibition on public smoking and sale of tobacco to children below 18 years.
Presently, India is home to 267 million tobacco users, facing a dual burden of tobacco use, smokeless and smoking. 8.5% children use tobacco products. Tobacco causes nearly 1.35 million deaths every year and 30% adults are exposed to second hand smoking in India.
METHODS: To assess the effective progress of COTPA, 2003 across India an analysis of compliance towards the legislation was done. Qualitative research through extensive desk review, involving the application of critical content analysis of third party compliance studies and online media coverage from across India was done.
RESULTS: Though the law is rombust, it’s implementation remains a real challenge even after decade of its existence. Regular enforcement drives by enforcement squads with members from various stakeholder departments is inevitable. Awareness about the law not only to consumers but also to tobacco vendors is essential for bringing down the tobacco epidemic. Stricter penalties and punishment under COTPA, 2003 for violators will go a long way for tobacco control.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the twenty years of it's existence its implementation remains a real challenge. Political will and administrative commitment are the key factors for effective and efficient implementation of COTPA, 2003 at subnational level. All departments need to collaborate, coordinate and cooperate for effective and efficient implementation of COTPA, 2003.