Will the Maharashtra govt use MCOCA to combat illegal gutka trade?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's CM Devendra Fadnavis plans stringent actions using MCOCA against illegal gutka trade, focusing on protecting youth and schools. This initiative aims to tackle organized crime effectively and curb the influence of chewable tobacco products.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra plans to invoke MCOCA against illegal gutka trade.
- Focus on protecting schools and youth from tobacco products.
- Collaboration between FDA and police for enforcement.
- Awareness campaigns on social media about addiction.
- Strict implementation of COTPA Act.
Nagpur, Dec 9 (NationPress) In a significant announcement on Tuesday, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the state assembly that the government plans to implement the tough Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against those who orchestrate and manage networks engaged in the illicit trade of banned gutka, pan masala, and other chewable tobacco products.
This declaration comes shortly after the government decided to utilize MCOCA to confront organized crime, particularly in relation to drug trafficking.
In response to a question from Prashant Thakur and others, Pankaj Bhoyar, the Minister of State for Home, stated that flying squads have been formed to curb the sale of gutka near educational institutions.
He also indicated that the government has set up district-level narco-coordination centers and committees aimed at tackling narcotics. Additionally, the administration is prioritizing strict adherence to the COTPA Act (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003) and effectively implementing a national initiative to reduce tobacco use.
According to Minister Bhoyar, the police department routinely employs undercover consumers to monitor the sale of items other than chocolates in shops located near schools. There is also a concerted effort to raise awareness through social media platforms, including Facebook and X, promoting the harmful effects of addiction.
The government has instructed all police stations to encourage local authorities to eliminate shops that illegally sell tobacco, gutka, and cigarettes within a 100-meter radius of schools and colleges.
The sale of gutka, pan masala, and all varieties of chewable tobacco is prohibited in Maharashtra under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the state vigorously enforces this ban, particularly around educational facilities.
The state's strategy against the illegal sale of gutka, especially near schools, is comprehensive. The primary enforcement is carried out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), often in collaboration with local law enforcement.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize Maharashtra's decisive action against the illegal gutka trade. The invocation of MCOCA marks a significant step in combating organized crime, emphasizing the government's commitment to safeguarding public health, particularly among the youth. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to enforce existing laws and promote awareness about the dangers of tobacco addiction.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCOCA?
The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) is a law designed to combat organized crime in Maharashtra, providing law enforcement with enhanced powers to tackle serious offenses.
Why is gutka banned in Maharashtra?
Gutka is banned in Maharashtra under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, due to its harmful health effects, particularly among young individuals.
What measures are being taken to enforce the ban?
The government is deploying flying squads, establishing narco-coordination centers, and increasing community awareness through social media to enforce the ban on gutka sales.
How does this action impact schools?
The government's strategy aims to prevent the sale of gutka near schools, thereby protecting students from the influence of tobacco products.
What is the COTPA Act?
The COTPA Act, or Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, regulates the production, supply, and distribution of tobacco products in India.
