AGARTALA, May 26 (TIWN): State prepares to celebrate the Anti-tobacco day on May 31. The theme chosen for the year 2015 was “Stop Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products”. In every 10 cigarettes, and many other tobacco products, consumed worldwide are illegal, making the illicit trade of tobacco products a major global concern from many perspectives, including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. The tobacco industry and criminal groups are among those who profit from the illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public to pay the health and security costs.

Though various voluntary organizations and other institutions organizes awareness rally to stop consuming tobacco products, still people turns a deaf area to this message. As a result incidence of cancer has been rising alarmingly. Tobacco was among the main causes of cancer in the northeastern region.

Tribals, who constitute 27 percent of the northeast’s total population of 45.50 million (2011 census) are traditionally heavy users of different types of tobacco products. According to the latest report of the union health and family welfare ministry, Mizoram (67.2 percent), Nagaland (56.8 percent) Tripura (55.9 percent) have the highest number of tobacco users in India, while, 34.6 percent of the adult Indian population is the national average for tobacco use.

Incidence of certain types of cancer like esophagus, lung, mouth, breast and stomach was relatively higher in the northeast as compared to other parts of the country considering the high incidence of cancer cases here, the central government has been setting up at least one RCC in each of the eight states and upgrading the existing regional centres.

But on the other hand, for the purpose of additional resource mobilization rationalization of rates of different taxes and excise duties has been done, State Government of Tripura organizes VAT on Tobacco and Tobacco products has been reduced from 35% to 25% with effect from October 14, 2014 and other products. As a result of revision of rates, it is expected additional revenue to the tune of Rs 15.50 crores per annum would be generated.