SMOKING

IS SMOKING HARMLESS? Last night there was a heated discussion about smoking and cancer. We always read ‘smoking is harmful, it can cause cancer’ in films and also on the wrapper of the cigarette case. A committee of BJP MPs have come to the conclusion, that such advertisement must be abolished, as there is no scientific proof for this. It was revealed during discussion, that the MPs had no scientific background. On the other hand, another BJP MP from Assam, an experienced Doctor , stoutly defended the advertisement (Now smoking is prohibited in public places- this ban will be lifted). He pointed out that lakhs of smokers are actually cancer patients. Young people are more likely to be affected. What is shocking is the motive for this change in the law. It is pressure from cigarette manufacturers. Is Modi Government ruled by capitalists? We can see other instances too, of Government giving in, to pressure from the private sector, especially in the department of Environment.