New Delhi, May 30: President A P J Abdul Kalam has given assent to the anti-tobacco act banning promotion of tobacco use even as the World Health Organisation today roped in film and fashion personalities to send the message against the evil usage. "The anti-tobacco act is aimed at prohibiting tobacco promotion in all its forms," a health ministry official Dr Srinivas Tata told a press meet here on the eve of the World No Tobacco day.

The rules and regulations under the new act were being worked out, he said adding "there is three month time to frame the rules".

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) Act 2003 which was passed by parliament in its last session, received Presidential assent on 18th of this month.

The provisions under the act would need to look into all aspects such as what would come under surrogate advertising and whether bravery awards distributed by some of the well-known cigarettes brands should be included under the Act.

The Act was an important initiative especially after the unanimous adoption of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a legally binding treaty, by the member states of the 56th world health assembly.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Than Sein, WHO acting regional director for South-East Asia region, said that the FCTC would provide the desired boost to anti-tobacco advocates and activists all over the world.

However, ratification would take about an year. The World No Tobacco day this year has the theme `Tobacco Free Films, Tobacco Free Fashion, Action`.

Bureau Report