Ill-conceived idea

Sir — The Delhi Government has suggested to the Union Health Ministry to add the word “early” to its recently revised text warning on cigarette packets. The present text warnings printed on the packet are: “Tobacco causes painful death” and “tobacco causes cancer.” The Delhi Government is of the opinion that if the text is revised to “Tobacco causes early painful death”, it will have more impact on the smokers and dissuade them from smoking.

While those who buy full packets of cigarettes do not at all read the warnings issued on them, the chance of reading does not exist for those who buy it in loose.  Whatever may the content of the warnings, these do not simply impress upon or deter the smokers. Only when one realises and practically experiences the dangers of smoking does one quit. But by that time, it is too late. Notwithstanding the warnings, the option to smoke or not should be left to the smokers. The authorities should strictly prohibit smoking in public places to avoid non-smokers becoming passive victims.