Survey Shows Rising Tobacco Use and Gutkha Consumption in Rural and Urban India

Recent government data reveals a significant rise in tobacco consumption across India, especially gutkha use in rural areas. Between 2011-12 and 2023-24, per capita spending on tobacco increased by 58% in rural and 77% in urban regions. Tobacco-consuming households grew by 33% in rural and 59% in urban India. Rural households now spend more on gutkha than education, raising concerns about health outcomes and fiscal sustainability amid expanding public healthcare.