A body of small tobacco retailers, the Akhil Bharatiya Paan Vikreta Sangathan (ABPVS), has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow its representation in WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) meeting slated to be held in Delhi in November.
"NGOs, under the influence of multinational companies from western countries and promoting the interests of supermarkets and mega markets, have been influencing WHO to adopt resolutions at conferences, which will affect the livelihood of millions of small tobacco retailers across India," the retailer body said in a statement.
"The government might be forced to consider and adopt harsh policies against tobacco retailers at WHO FCTC... To counter this and ensure small retailers are allowed to present their point of view and valid concerns, the association has appealed to the health ministry to include tobacco retailers in the team representing India at WHO FCTC."
The appeal has been made to the Union health minister, commerce minister, labour minister and finance minister.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control meeting will be held in Delhi on 7-12 November 2016.
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