Jharkhand Government Enforces Total Ban on Gutkha and Paan Masala with Tobacco-Nicotine
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Synopsis
The Jharkhand government has imposed a strict ban on the production, distribution, sale, and storage of gutkha and paan masala containing nicotine and tobacco, effective for one year. This move aims to protect the health of the state's youth amidst rising oral cancer cases.
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand has banned all gutkha and paan masala with tobacco and nicotine.
- The ban is effective for one year from the notification date.
- Authorities may extend the ban based on ongoing reviews.
- Strict action will be taken against violators.
- The ban aims to protect youth health in the state.
Ranchi, February 18 (NationPress) The government of Jharkhand has declared a complete prohibition on the manufacturing, distribution, sale, and storage of gutkha and paan masala that contain nicotine and tobacco within the state.
The health department of the state has issued a notification stating that this prohibition will remain in effect for a year from the date of the notification.
Authorities have indicated that the duration of the ban may be extended after a review of the circumstances.
In 2020, Jharkhand imposed a ban on 11 brands of gutkha and paan masala, which was initially valid until June 2023. The ban had lapsed for approximately one and a half years. This time, all forms of paan masala containing nicotine and tobacco, alongside gutkha, are now forbidden in the state.
According to the notification, which was signed by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department and State Food Safety Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, this prohibition is enacted under Section 30(2)(A) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulations 2, 3, and 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011.
The government has instructed the relevant department to publicize this information through various media channels.
It has also stated that strict penalties will be imposed on anyone found selling gutkha and paan masala containing tobacco or nicotine.
State Health Minister Irfan Ansari had previously noted that the ban is intended to safeguard the health and welfare of the state’s youth.
During a Cancer Day event, he raised alarms about the increasing incidence of oral cancer within the state, highlighting that around 70 out of every 100,000 individuals in Jharkhand are diagnosed with cancer. Of these, 40-45 patients suffer from oral cancer, mainly attributed to the use of tobacco and gutkha.
The Health Minister has directed all civil surgeons and pertinent officials to ensure rigorous adherence to the government’s restrictions.
