Minister of Health Harsh Vardhan has requested Defence Ministry to stop sale of tobacco products in Defence canteens.

In a letter dated July 7, addressed to Minister of Defence Arun Jaitley, the health minister said, “I strongly feel that we need our forces to be physically and mentally fit and avoid using substances that compromise their health, fitness and well-being.”

He said the Defence Minister should revisit its policy of making cigarettes and other tobacco products available at a discount to members of the services.