- PUNJAB CM ORDERS CRACKDOWN AGAINST GUTKA, PAN MASALA BAN VIOLATION
Gutka Pan Masala ban violation
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has directed the Department of Health & Family Welfare to ensure strict implementation of the ban of Gutka and Pan Masala in the state.
Despite a notification issued by the
Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Punjab, reports suggested that sale of flavoured, scented and chewing tobacco in the state continues to take place. An official spokesperson said the Chief Minister has taken serious note of the blatant violation of the ban notification.
Department of Health & Family Welfare
According to the spokesperson, the
Chief Minister has issued strict instructions to the Department of Health & Family Welfare to crack down on violations of the ban order. He asked to ensure deterrent action against the violators under the relevant provisions of the law.
Furthermore, the source of the manufacture and sale of the banned products should be identified and plugged without delay. It is done to prevent the problem escalating out of control, said the Chief Minister.
Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act
A notification banning loose products of this kind, as well as loose tobacco and cigarettes and hookah bars, in the state is issued every year by
FDA Punjab. The latest notification to this effect was issued in February 2017 and remains in force till February 2018. The ban on loose tobacco and cigarettes relates to products without specified health warnings under Section 7 of COTPA (Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act), said the spokesperson. Adding that the provisions of the Act apply to all tobacco-related products, whether packaged or unpackaged. Or sold as single unit or separate products.
Supreme Court orders
Additionally, the notification is in line with the Supreme Court orders prohibiting sale of pan masala (without tobacco). Flavoured chewing tobacco in separate sachets is also prohibited.
—PTC News
