Rajasthan state government has completely banned the production, storage and selling of all Gutkha (flavored and mixed tobacco) products. The decision came late evening of 18 July in a meeting led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot with the councils of ministers.
As per few trade experts, although the sale and consumption of Gutkha will be treated as illegal, tobacco is exempted from the ban which sounds a bit improper.
Penalty ranging from Rs.25000- Rs.10 Lakh will be imposed on those who are found guilty of being involved in Gutkha trade.
The decision has been welcomed by many social organizations working on different health projects. “It will definitely reduce the adverse health implications on those who are addicted to it, most of whom are in the 18-30 year age bracket” said a social worker who did not wish to disclose her name.
Since the ban on Gutkha is expected to have adverse business impact on many local traders and distributors, many people feel that the Govt decision will only induce another illegal trade in state.
According to TOI, CM Gehlot has said that stricter provisions should be made to jail those who illegally sell, manufacture or store Gutkha.
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How come Gutkha is the only tobacco product to be targeted? If, it really is in the public interest then why not ban cigarettes, beedhis, zarda, khaini and all other tobacco products in the market?
Why is the government overlooking the entire problem?
And FYI Gutka only causes oral cancer, and the number of people dying from lung cancer and other forms of cancer is a lot bigger.
This is a one sided decision taken by the government, if you really wanna do something in the public interest then all the products should be under the ban.
we are happy that GUTKHA is banned in the state but my question is where would those poor street vendors,small traders , who solely and wholly DEPENDS on this BUSINESS . would go,,??????????????