Govt asks IPL to ban tobacco, alcohol advertising
New Delhi (PTI): The Union Health Ministry has urged the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, within stadium premises during matches as well as telecast sessions on national television, saying it has a moral obligation to promote public health.
The government's request came ahead of the IPL season starting March 22.
In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also urged him to prohibit the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.
The letter also stressed discouraging promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco.
The letter, which was also marked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, stated that India is experiencing a significant burden of non communicable diseases- cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. which account for more than 70 per cent deaths annually.
"Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians," it said.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) being India's most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness, the letter underlined.
"Therefore, IPL should strictly implement the regulations regarding --banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television;the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities..."
The letter observed that cricket players are role models for the youngsters for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
"The IPL, being the largest sports platform in the country, has a social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiatives of the government," it said.
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Minister Parameshwara says remarks on properties linked to drug peddlers 'misunderstood'
Tumakuru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said his recent remarks on the demolition of properties linked to those involved in narcotics trade were "misunderstood and misinterpreted".
His clarification follows remarks made two days ago on the government's uncompromising crackdown on the drug menace, including action against properties linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
"It is unfortunate. It is taken in the wrong sense. I didn't mean that tomorrow itself I am going to send bulldozers and demolish the houses. That was not my intention. It was wrongly taken," he told reporters here.
Responding to Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar's question in the legislative council on the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davangere and coastal districts, the minister on Thursday detailed the extensive enforcement measures initiated since the Congress government assumed office.
Pointing to the involvement of some foreign nationals, the minister had said, "Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. They are into the drug business. We catch them and register cases against them, but they want the case to be registered because once the case is registered, we cannot deport them."
"We have gone to the extent of demolishing the rented building where they stay," he had said.
