China to sell cigarettes for quake relief?

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IANS | 17 Sep, 2012
Authorities in south China's Yunnan province, where a recent earthquake claimed at least 81 lives, now plan to sell 400,000 cartons of cigarettes in order to raise tax revenue to spend on quake relief, a Chinese daily said.

According to the state-run Global Times daily, China has become the world's largest tobacco producer and consumer, with more than 300 million smokers.

It is estimated that deaths in China from smoking will exceed three million annually by 2050.

The tobacco industry in the country remains the foremost source of revenue for certain local governments.

"However, the idea of using increased tobacco production to raise relief funds is not only contrary to the national tobacco control commitment, but also comes at the expense of public health," the daily said.

In cases of sudden disaster, local governments are very likely to be stretched in dispatching relief and financial resources.

"Therefore, it is reasonable for the Yunnan government to raise relief funds by using every means available after the earthquake."