The Jharkhand government has taken a decisive step to safeguard public health by imposing a comprehensive ban on gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine. The Health Department has officially issued a notification to enforce this ban across the state for a period of one year.
Official Notification from Health Department
As per the notification, the prohibition covers the manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine under any brand name in the markets of Jharkhand. Additional Chief Secretary and State Food Safety Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh has formally issued the directive to ensure strict compliance.
One-Year Ban Implemented for Public Health Safety
The ban has been enforced for one year from the date mentioned in the notification. This measure is aimed at curbing the adverse health effects associated with the consumption of these products. Violators involved in the sale, production, or distribution of gutkha and pan masala containing zarda (tobacco) or nicotine will face legal action.
Legal Basis for the Prohibition
The decision to impose the ban aligns with Section 30 (2) (a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, alongside Regulations 2, 3, and 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011. The move is intended to prioritize the health of citizens and reduce the increasing number of oral cancer cases in the state.
Public Awareness Campaign Initiated
ACS-cum-Food Safety Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh has instructed the Director of Public Relations Department (PRD) to disseminate the notification through newspapers for three consecutive days. This effort aims to ensure that residents across the state are informed about the ban and its implications.
Previous Instances of Bans in Jharkhand
It is noteworthy that a similar ban was imposed on May 8, 2020, after harmful magnesium carbonate was detected in pan masala samples. Additionally, in 2022, under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Hemant Soren, a one-year ban was placed on 11 brands of pan masala due to health concerns.
The latest prohibition signifies the state’s ongoing commitment to reducing the consumption of harmful tobacco products and protecting public health.
