Tobacco is one of the major commercial crops cultivated in a district, where you have been posted as the District Magistrate. But being a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, it is obligatory upon India to phase out tobacco cultivation by 2020. The state government had constituted a committee, which has recently submitted a report to gradually phase out its cultivationand rehabilitate farmers who shift to alternative crops. However, fearing loss of livelihood, farmers

have blocked the railway lines, causing disruption at various places. They are demanding writtenassurance from the state government that tobacco cultivation will be allowed to continue.

(a) What are the ethical and administrative issues involved in this matter?  (5 Marks).

(b) What are the options available to you as the District Magistrate?   (5 Marks).

(c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option, which you would adopt, giving reasons.    (10 Marks).