Shortly after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Centre has imposed a total ban on e-cigarettes in India, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media and posted a tweet. In his tweet, Jairam Ramesh termed the e-cigarettes ban yet another 'big bang' announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He further sarcastically wrote that the government's motto is "a headline a day keeps news of the worsening slowdown away". 

Government announces total ban on e-cigarettes in India; details here

E-cigarettes ban

Addressing the press briefing on Wednesday, Nirmala Sitharaman stated that e-cigarettes production, manufacturing, sale, import-export, and advertising among other things will be banned in India. Citing health concerns of the citizens over the Cabinet's decision for e-cigarettes ban, she explained ill-effects of using e-cigarettes. She said that while the e-cigarettes appear 'cool', they were very harmful for the users, adding that they have an adverse impact on passive smokers. Explaining the adverse effects of the e-cigarettes, Nirmala Sitharaman said that the residual nicotine was high in quantity in the smoke exhaled from e-cigarettes as a result of which it affects passive smokers. 

The Cabinet approved the ordinance for banning production, import, distribution and sale of electronic cigarettes. The ordinance also proposes a jail term for those violating the provisions. While first-time violators will face a jail term of up to one year and a fine of Rs one lakh, subsequent offences can face jail term of up to three years or a fine of Rs 5 lakh, or both if required. 

Jairam Ramesh takes a dig at BJP after states dilute MV Act fines

Jairam Ramesh praises Modi

Jairam Ramesh faced the heat within the Congress party after he lauded PM Modi's developmental work. Speaking at an event, Jairam Ramesh had warned the Opposition leaders, saying that PM Modi's governance model is not a "complete negative story". Jairam Ramesh had added that not recognising Modi's work and demonising him all the time is not going to help. Responding to his remarks, senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily had lashed out at Jairam Ramesh, and alleged that he was responsible for "policy paralysis" during the UPA-2 government. 

Jairam Ramesh caused policy paralysis, Tharoor not serious neta: Moily

Centre bans e-cigarettes, Finance Min explains why they're not cool