The move by BBMP to tie up with ITC for its Zero Garbage Model programme, which was launched on July 1, has been strongly opposed by the Consortium for Tobacco Free Karnataka (CFTFK).
A number of NGOs, academic institutions and healthcare delivery organisations that make up the consortium have demanded that the BBMP immediately disassociate itself from the tobacco company.
The consortium has said that any collaboration by the government with a tobacco firm, as is the case here, will mean an indirect promotion for the latter.
“While we appreciate the Palike’s efforts to control tobacco use, it is ironical that it being the District Anti-Tobacco Control Cell (Bangalore Urban), the Palike should encourage the efforts of such tobacco companies in promoting their image,” said Upendra Bhojani of CFTFK.
Published 01 July 2013, 19:08 IST