Little
interest shown on implementing/extending its ban
Consumption of gutkha is now legal
in State. Not just that, even manufacturing and distribution of this chewable
tobacco product does not amount to any kind of violation, thanks to the State
government’s reluctance in extending a ban on these products.
As per a Government Order issued by
the Chief Secretary, the usage or distribution of gutkha was prohibited in the
State with effect from January 10, 2013 till a period of one year under Food
Safety and Standards Act, 2006. However, there seems to be no move to extend
it.
“This is a grave issue concerning
public health as gutkha and its related products are known to cause cancer and
other serious ailments. Gutkha is banned in 23 States in the country, but our
State government is taking its own time to extend the ban or implement it,”
said former I.F.S. officer and secretary of Forum for Good Governance, M.
Padmanabha Reddy. He has written to the Chief Secretary demanding that the ban
be extended. Mr. Reddy, who procured information under RTI relating to the
implementation of the ban, criticised the administration for being indifferent
to the issue.
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