In a significant decision, the Revanth Reddy government of Telangana has banned the manufacture and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine. The government order states that the sale, storage, and distribution of these tobacco products will be prohibited for one year, effective from May 24, 2024. Previously, the UP government had banned the sale of pan masala and tobacco at the same shop.Telangana bans tobacco productsThis ban in Telangana has been implemented with public health in mind. The State Food Safety Commissioner has issued a notification under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, stating, The manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of Gutkha/Pan Masala is banned in the state of Telangana due to the use of tobacco and nicotine in these products. They are packed in pouches, packages, and containers. This ban will be in effect for one year from May 24, 2024.Consumption of gutkha leads to oral cancerConsumption of gutkha and pan masala leads to oral cancer, submucous fibrosis, and other health problems, which is why they have been banned in the state. Mohammed Salahuddin Dakhni, President of the Telangana Paan Shop Owners Association, said, There are about 1.5 lakh paan shops in Telangana. We support the ban on gutkha, and many shops have already stopped selling it. However, we request the authorities to exempt chewing tobacco and zarda, as the livelihood of many families depends on their sale.Supreme Court enforce strict rules He further mentioned, The organization recently approached Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with a memorandum regarding this issue. Posters outside many paan shops across the state declare that they do not sell gutkha. The Supreme Courts order has also been cited in the directives issued by the Yogi government. It states that pan masala manufacturers and suppliers are not complying with regulations. The Supreme Court has now mandated that state governments enforce these rules strictly, ensuring that pan masala is banned in the state and that the orders are fully followed.
