Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said on Saturday that the mandated pictorial warning on cigarette and beedi packets will come into effect from December 1.
Speaking to media-persons in Chennai on the sidelines of a function organised by his ministry, Ramadoss said, "from December 1, it has to be implemented." He blamed court cases for the delay in its implementation.
The specified warnings include a skull and bones sign, a warning saying Tobacco/Smoking Kills and images advocating the need to stop consuming tobacco. "We have to start it somewhere," he said while talking about his ministry's initiative.
Asked if he had similar plans (pictorial warnings) for alcohol use too, Ramadoss said, "I don't have a legislation for it."
Ramadoss kickstarted the ban on smoking in public places on October 2, while his party, the Pattali Makkal Katchi, is a vocal supporter of its total prohibition and has been demanding it in Tamil Nadu asking the government to close down state-run liquor shops.
