Bhubaneswar: The Mohan Charan Manjhi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government of Odisha has taken an important and tough decision keeping in mind the public health in the state. The government has announced a complete ban on the manufacture, distribution and sale of all tobacco and nicotine products with immediate effect. After this decision, gutkha, pan masala, scented betel nut and other such products will no longer be sold legally in the state.
Official order of Health Department
In the order issued by the Odisha Health Department, it has been made clear that this ban will apply to all those food items in which tobacco or nicotine has been used in any form. Whether they are chewable or not, or are flavored or flavored, all will be equally prohibited. It has been said in the order that both packaged and loose products will come under this purview.
The government has also clarified that if a product is sold in separate packets but the consumer can easily mix them and use them, then that will also be considered banned. That means, any method adopted to avoid the law will not be recognised.
Complete ban on gutkha and pan masala
Under the new order, gutkha, pan masala, flavored betel nuts, aromatic spices and all such chewable foods which contain tobacco or nicotine will be banned in the state. The government has clearly said that no matter under what name or brand these products are being sold, they will no longer be available in Odisha.
Government and Health Minister’s appeal
Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahalinga has said that a special monitoring team will be formed to effectively implement this ban on the ground. He has appealed to the public to follow the rules and cooperate with the government in making the state tobacco free. The Health Minister also warned that strict action will be taken against those who violate the rules.
Steps taken as per Supreme Court instructions
According to the state government, this decision has been taken in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court and the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The government says tobacco and nicotine-containing products increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and other serious diseases, posing a huge burden on public health.
Concern over the health of youth and children
The government statement has specifically mentioned the adverse effects on the health of children and youth. The increasing trend of pan masala, betel nut, slaked lime and smokeless tobacco is rapidly pushing the youth towards its addiction. This has a serious impact not only on physical but also mental health.
shocking figures
Citing data from the second phase of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), the government said that more than 42 percent of the adult population in Odisha consumes smokeless tobacco. This figure is almost double the national average, which is a matter of serious concern for the state.
Big step towards health improvement
The government believes that this ban is a big and necessary step towards making Odisha tobacco free. This will not only control diseases, but will also help in giving a healthy future to the coming generations.
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