Public Engagement on Indian Smokers
Even smokers have rights — as citizens and as consumers.
- Engagement Sessions
- 200+
- States Covered
- 15
- People Reached
- 50,000+
- Policy Submissions
- 8
A Neglected Consumer Segment
India has over 267 million tobacco users, making it the second-largest consumer of tobacco in the world. Yet the rights and welfare of these consumers are largely ignored in public policy discourse. They face exploitation through counterfeit tobacco products, lack of health information, misleading advertising, and overpricing.
The Consumer Rights Organisation believes that every citizen — regardless of their personal choices — deserves protection from fraud, adulteration, and exploitation. Counterfeit and adulterated tobacco products pose additional health risks beyond the known dangers of smoking. Consumers deserve to know exactly what they are consuming, and businesses must not be allowed to profit from misinformation.
Our Engagement Campaign
CRO launched a public engagement campaign on the needs of Indian smokers in 2017 — not to promote tobacco use, but to ensure that this massive consumer segment is not exploited, is informed about their rights, and has access to authentic products with accurate labelling.
Our campaign conducted over 200 engagement sessions across 15 states, reaching 50,000+ consumers. We submitted 8 policy recommendations to the Ministry of Health and COTPA authorities — focusing on anti-counterfeiting measures, fair pricing regulations, and honest health disclosures.
The Consumer Rights Organisation stands for every Indian's right to make informed choices — and to be protected from exploitation, regardless of what they choose.
“Every Indian is a consumer. Every consumer deserves protection — without judgment, without exception.”