Publishing dead men's photo on bidi packets protested

Bhopal, May 10 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Bidi Manufacturers' Association (MPBMA) has described the necessity to print bones, skull and photographs of dead persons on 'bidi' bundle packets as dangerous for the industry.

''The existence of 'bidi' industry would be threatened due to this necessity,'' MPBMA Chairman Meena Pimplapure told reporters here today.

She said publishing photographs on 'bidi' packs as per the new provisions laid down by the Centre was not possible, as 'bidi' packs were prepared by labourers with hands.

She said the Association was ready to put a slogan warning that 'Tobacco consumption is injurious to health' on 'bidi' packets.

Ms Pimplapure said a nationwide agitation would be carried out from May 5 to May 11 against the Centre's order to be implemented from June 1.

She said manufacture of 'bidi' and its marketing had been stooped because of the order causing loss of several crores of rupees to the Centre.

The MPBMA Chairman said 'bidi' was less harmful to health than cigarettes, which contained more tobacco and chemical from paper, while 'bidi' leaves were natural and contained less tobacco.

She said publishing bones, skull and photograph of dead men on 'bidi' packets was also not appropriate from the viewpoint of Indian culture.

Madhya Pradesh accounted for most 40 per cent production of the 'bidi'. The industry provided employment to several crore people, including women, handicapped and old people, in the country.

UNI