The Telangana government has immediately imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine across the state.

The Commissioner of Food Safety announced the order on 24 May, citing public health concerns. The government enacted the prohibition under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, along with regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) Regulation 2011.

This order has disrupted Hyderabad’s markets. Pan shop owners are willing to comply but face difficulties due to the sector’s unorganised nature.

“There are about 1.5 lakh pan shops in Telangana. We support banning gutka, and many shops have already stopped selling it. However, we request authorities to exempt chewing tobacco and zarda, as millions of families depend on these sales for their livelihood,” said Mohammed Salahuddin Dakhni, president of the Pan Shop Owners Association of Telangana.

Mr. Salahuddin mentioned that his association had previously submitted representations to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on this issue. He also noted that many pan shops across the state display posters stating that they do not sell gutka.

“We accept the government’s order, but there needs to be a clear chain of command,” said a pan shop owner from Yousufguda, who wished to remain anonymous. He added, “While gutka and pan masala are banned, law enforcement might still trouble shop owners if they find zarda, which contains negligible tobacco, during inspections.”

A trader from the Begum Bazar area mentioned that several such orders have been issued in the past, and those who want to sell gutka will find ways to do so. “These orders lead to an increase in the black market sale of these products at double or triple the MRP. The government should focus on amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act,” he said.

Dr. K. Syed Akram, Medical Director of Renova Bibi Cancer Hospital in Malakpet, emphasised the importance of the ban on gutka and pan masala. “The ban is a crucial step in combating oral cancer. These products contain harmful ingredients like tobacco and betel nut, which increase the risk of oral cancer up to eight times. By removing these carcinogens from the market, the government is protecting citizens and preventing cancer. This measure will significantly reduce oral cancer cases, save lives, and ease the healthcare burden,” he stated.

Image source: The Hindu