Jharkhand Cracks Down on Gutkha and Pan Masala, Jail for Violators

Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has issued a strict warning to those involved in the sale of tobacco-laced gutkha and pan masala. Anyone found violating the new rules may face imprisonment. In a major step to protect public health, the state has imposed an immediate and complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine.

The order, signed by Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, clearly states that the ban applies to all such products, regardless of the brand name under which they are sold, if they contain tobacco or nicotine.

This decision has been taken under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The ban will remain in force for one year from the date of issuance.

Experts highlight that nicotine in gutkha and pan masala can lead to serious diseases like cancer and can push young people toward addiction. Keeping this in mind, the government has decided to take strict action across the supply chain.

Manufacturing and storage of such products within the state will now be illegal. Both retail and wholesale distribution are completely prohibited. Violators, including shopkeepers and distributors, will face heavy fines and possible imprisonment under the law.

What the Order Says:
In the interest of public health, the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine—under any name—are prohibited for a period of one year from the date of this order, under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulation 2.3.4 of the 2011 regulations.