February 18th 2025.
The state of Jharkhand has made a bold move in the interest of public health by announcing a complete ban on the production, distribution, sale, and storage of gutkha and paan masala containing nicotine and tobacco. This decision, made by the state's health department, is set to take effect immediately and will remain in place for the next year, with the possibility of an extension based on a review of the situation.
This is not the first time that Jharkhand has taken a stand against harmful substances. In 2020, the state had already banned 11 brands of gutkha and paan masala, with the ban set to last until June 2023. However, due to various reasons, the ban expired after about one and a half years. But this time, the ban is even more comprehensive, as it includes all forms of paan masala that contain nicotine and tobacco, in addition to gutkha.
The notification for this ban, signed by Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department and State Food Safety Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, cites Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulations 2, 3, and 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulation, 2011. The government has also taken steps to ensure that this information is widely disseminated through the media, and has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating this ban.
State Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who has been a vocal advocate for this ban, has stated that it is a necessary step to protect the health and interests of the state's young generation. During a recent Cancer Day event, he expressed his concern about the alarming number of oral cancer patients in Jharkhand, with approximately 70 out of every 100,000 people suffering from cancer. Shockingly, 40-45 of these patients have oral cancer, primarily caused by the use of tobacco and gutkha.
In light of these alarming statistics, the Health Minister has urged all civil surgeons and relevant officers to ensure strict compliance with the government's restrictions. It is clear that the state of Jharkhand is taking a strong stance against the use of harmful substances and is committed to protecting its citizens from the devastating effects of tobacco and nicotine.
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