Subhechcha Ganguly 
Dinesh Gundu Rao, the health minister for Karnataka, announced on Tuesday that the state will take action to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. He told reporters here that the government will alter the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act in this regard.
The minister also said that the administration was considering not issuing permits to hookah bars in the state.The decision was made in this regard during the joint meeting of their ministries. Additionally, Rao stated that smoking is not permitted close to schools, hospitals, or shrines.
“Hookah bars are attracting young people, but this has a negative influence on their health. After smoking, young people become more drawn to drugs and opioids. The usage of tobacco products laid the groundwork for this, and the government is addressing the problem’s core source, he continued.
Reporters were informed by Dinesh Gundurao that eminent oncologist Dr. Vishal Rao US had first recommended the prohibition of hookah bars. “Tobacco consumption and associated products have negative health impacts. Earlier governments have implemented policies and made sporadic reforms. There were initiatives to outlaw hookah and establish no-smoking zones in metropolitan areas even during Siddaramiah’s first term as chief minister.
