EAC-PM working paper calls for curbs on tobacco consumption; says it poses serious implications for public health

Tobacco consumption and spending have increased sharply in both rural and urban India between 2011-12 and 2023-24, raising concerns for public health and government finances, according to an Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) working paper. Per capita tobacco expenditure rose 58% in rural areas and 77% in urban areas, with tobacco-using households rising to 13.3 crore in rural India and 4.7 crore in urban India.