Gutkha Seizure Valued at Rs 150 Crore in 2024: Maha Minister Yogesh Kadam
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Synopsis
On March 21, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam revealed that gutkha worth Rs 150 crore was seized in the state in 2024, following concerns raised by legislators about illegal sales despite a statewide ban.
Key Takeaways
- Gutkha worth Rs 150 crore seized in Maharashtra.
- Legislators claim illegal sales continue despite a ban.
- Government plans to enhance action against gutkha suppliers.
- Food and Drug Administration to address gutkha-related issues.
- Third-party audit for Pune roadworks announced by Minister Uday Samant.
Mumbai, March 21 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam announced on Friday that gutkha valued at Rs 150 crore was confiscated in the state in 2024.
The minister's statement followed a query from Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who highlighted that despite the gutkha ban in Maharashtra, it continues to be smuggled from neighboring states and sold in significant quantities. He accused the government of failing to take necessary actions against this illegal trade.
Shiv Sena legislator Dilip Lande also raised concerns regarding the rampant sale of gutkha and narcotics in the Chandivali Assembly constituency within Mumbai.
He added that law enforcement appears to be ignoring the issue.
"Despite the prohibition in Maharashtra, gutkha is readily available. No measures are taken to stop its entry from Gujarat, even when the police are informed. Given that the ban is enforced, not a single pack should be on sale. Yet, gutkha is found in Vidarbha and Marathwada, posing serious health risks to the public," Wadettiwar stated.
In response, Minister Kadam mentioned that the Food and Drug Administration Department is responsible for addressing gutkha-related issues.
"We are currently facing a shortage of food inspectors in this department. However, we plan to fill these positions within two months, and efforts to combat gutkha sales will intensify. I assure all members that we will implement stringent actions against traders, sellers, and suppliers of gutkha," the minister affirmed.
On another note, Minister Uday Samant announced in the state Assembly that a third-party audit will be conducted on the roadworks performed in Pune by the Municipal Corporation's Road Department.
He further elaborated that payments will only be processed post the proposed third audit. This was in response to queries from BJP legislator Bhimrao Tapkir and NCP SP legislator Bapu Pathare during the Question Hour.
In the initial phase, four projects worth Rs 8.3 crore have been completed in Pune through the Road Department, with three additional projects currently ongoing. Furthermore, works totaling Rs 3.7 crore are slated for the second phase, with some projects already receiving work orders and others still in the tender process.
According to regulations, contractors are held accountable for repairs for three years for asphalt projects and five years for cement concrete roads. Consequently, if any defects are identified in the works executed by the Road Department, the responsible contractor will carry out the necessary repairs, Minister Samant affirmed.
