Bangalore : The Karnataka government banned the
manufacture, storage, sale and distribution of gutka and pan masala
containing tobacco, as ingredients in the interest of public health in
the State here on Friday. Office of the Food Safety Commissioner stated
that Section 92 of the Centres Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006,
prohibits articles of food containing tobacco and nicotine which are
used as ingredients, as they are injurious to health.“Gutka and panmasala are articles of food in which tobacco and nicotine
are widely used as ingredients. And whereas, it is expedient to prohibit
gutka and panmasala in the entire State of Karnataka,” the order
stated.The ruling Congress faced opposition to the ban from its own
MLAs, mostly from the arecanut-growing areas of the Malnad region, at
the Legislature party meeting convened on Friday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, defended the move saying that arecanut growers will not be affected. “The Supreme Court has directed all states to ban gutka. Hence, the government has no choice but to follow the apex court direction,” he said.“It is not our decision. We are following the Supreme Courts order. Otherwise we will have to face contempt of court proceedings,” he added. He said 20 states had already banned gutka. The government, he said, will protect the interest of arecanut growers. “There is no ban on areca. Other products of areca that do not contain tobacco can still be sold,” he said.
Addressing reporters at the Nimhans convention centre, Health minister U T Khader said,“The government is committed to providing sufficient healthcare to the people of Karnataka. This decision should have been taken two years ago, but we are glad that it has finally been implemented.” Food Safety Commissioner V B Patil said, "Many people believe that this decision was taken in a hurry. But the department and the government have deliberated over the issue for many days before arriving at this conclusion.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, defended the move saying that arecanut growers will not be affected. “The Supreme Court has directed all states to ban gutka. Hence, the government has no choice but to follow the apex court direction,” he said.“It is not our decision. We are following the Supreme Courts order. Otherwise we will have to face contempt of court proceedings,” he added. He said 20 states had already banned gutka. The government, he said, will protect the interest of arecanut growers. “There is no ban on areca. Other products of areca that do not contain tobacco can still be sold,” he said.
Addressing reporters at the Nimhans convention centre, Health minister U T Khader said,“The government is committed to providing sufficient healthcare to the people of Karnataka. This decision should have been taken two years ago, but we are glad that it has finally been implemented.” Food Safety Commissioner V B Patil said, "Many people believe that this decision was taken in a hurry. But the department and the government have deliberated over the issue for many days before arriving at this conclusion.”
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