On 23rd May 2016, CLPR will hold a State-level consultation in order to get inputs from various stakeholders interested in the removal of tobacco subsidies. These stakeholders include representatives from civil society and public health NGOs, academia and community organisers.

The main objective of this Consultation is to discuss, critique and examine a draft policy brief formulated by CLPR on tobacco subsides and the law. Specific Objectives of this Consultation are:

• To identify the various means by which the government provides subsidies to tobacco growers;
• To consider the role of the Tobacco Board in providing tobacco subsidies;
• To consider the re-purposing of the Tobacco Board in consonance with COTPA;
• To identify various methods which may be employed to gradually phase out tobacco subsidies without causing economic harm or loss to tobacco farmers.