Gutka ban - Will it see the same fate as prohibition on smoking?


Gutka ban - Will it see the same fate as prohibition on smoking?

Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
 
Mangalore, Jun 1:
The state government has given a perfect gift to the people by deciding to ban gutka and other food products containing tobacco on World No Tobacco Day observed on 31st May every year. Twenty-four states in India have already banned gutka sale and distribution and Karnataka has been a trifle late in banning it. But it is better late than never and health ministry has taken the right decision to ban all forms of gutka. In some of the states where the ban is enforced illegal sale of the same goes clandestinely, nullifying the entire efforts.
 
There are dissenting voices opposing the ban saying ban of gutka will affect areca growers, which are of course unfounded. Health Minister U T Khadar has done well to allay these fears of areca growers. Gutka manufacturer’s lobby will also try every trick up the sleeve to come out with its own defensive mechanism and oppose the ban. But in Uttar Pradesh which banned gutka in April this year, gutka manfucturers who approached the Apex Court against the ban received a jolt when the Supreme Court upheld the ban.
 

The challenge on hand
 
It is a challenge for the state to ensure that the ban is implemented stringently and offenders are punished so that it acts as a deterrent. The moot question at this juncture is how effectively the state will be able to implement the ban given the fact that such laws remain only on paper. It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had prohibited smoking in public places in an order in 2008. As per the ban the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions is also prohibited, which is seldom followed. The court order banned smoking in all public places and public transports including railways and had asked the commissioners of the metros to keep it informed about the action taken again cigarette manufacturers violating the advertising code. Public places that come under the ban order include hospitals, health institutes, public offices, public transports, court buildings, educational institutions, libraries and auditoriums.
 
In the absence of the strict enforcement we could spot people regularly smoking in areas that qualify as public places. Passive smoking impairs the health of non-smokers who get affected for no fault of theirs, which is unfair. There are people who say smoking is a personal choice. But personal choice of smoking is deleterious to other’s health as second-hand smoke is quite harmful, something which smokers fail to acknowledge or they care a damn.
 

No Awareness
 
Public awareness on this in Dakshina Kannada district, the most literate district in the state, is nil and those who are aware carry on with the with gay abandon because everyone else seems to do so. People smoke freely in bus stands and other public places. Cigarettes are easily available in petty shops even near school/college zones. Cigarettes are easily available in the shops inside KSRTC bus stand.
 
The police along with the district health department have to ensure that the ban is enforced under cigarette and other tobacco products act (COTPA) But health officials of the state government are least bothered to do anything with the ban leave alone implementing it in our district. They are not even accessible to the media and to get the right person to answer this writer had to call up at least 12 health officials because they went on giving contact numbers of Mysore DHO and even a health official of Davanagere in their bid escape from answering the media.
 
Finally district tuberculosis officer Dr Ramakrishna Rao who responded to our query said that so far the health department has not taken any initiative to implement the ban on smoking in public places and there hasn’t been any action against the offenders. He said “the health department has been concentrating its efforts on spreading more awareness especially in schools and colleges”. He however, denied that the ban on tobacco would go in the same way as the ban on smoking in public and it would be implemented with the right earnestness. .
 
Dr Vishak Acharya, Asst Professor of Pulmonary department at KMC says “It is high time the health department takes up the issue of banning tobacco sale and use in public places. Unless the law is enforced with the seriousness it deserves people continue to indulge in it. The smokers endanger the health of the general public as it may cause bronchitis, asthma, cough and other health problems. The public are affected without them being the cause of it”.
 
The need of the hour is to fight against it on a war footing. Politicians need to give up their self interest and come together on a cause that might be beneficial to the society in a big way. Health is wealth and we cannot allow our population to succumb to various illnesses due to narrow political considerations. At the same time once the ban becomes a law it should be enforced with the seriousness it deserves.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Sheikh, Mangalore

    Tue, Jun 11 2013

    Alcohol also should be banned in the whole of the karnataka state. From the lawmakers to keepers to workers and everybody is binge drinking everyday and they have no idea what is to be banned and where ...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dam Nadi, Dilli

    Sun, Jan 17 2021

    People need at least some distraction or escape from their hard lives, for most, everyday life sucks and without a way to forget it for a while, people will go crazy. So you can shove your self-righteous preaching, you know where..

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Venkat, Chennai

    Thu, Jun 06 2013

    Banning will not give any result unless the production itself is not stopped. As the article mentions 24 states have banned but no use.I agree with leslie comments. Increase taxes like western countries.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Malathi Devi, Surathkal

    Tue, Jun 04 2013

    Please ban gutkha, cigarette and Alcohol. The poverty of the people will be lessened. Most of the poor people spent their earning on this bad habits and spend money for treatments.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Damodar Bhat, Udupi

    Tue, Jun 04 2013

    Prices Of Areca farms have crashed. Areca farmers may commit suicide. This is a wrong move by the Govt. overnight.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Judith L, Mumbai

    Tue, Jun 04 2013

    Till now they have earned lot money by ruining other people's life by gifting them with cancer.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ravi, Dubai

    Sun, Jun 02 2013

    Mr. Louis,
    Sidhu can definitely provide cheap Whisky and Brandy. his cabinet minister owns distilleries manufacturing Raja Whisky, cheapest available PREMIUM DRINK in Karnataka.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth, Mangalore

    Sun, Jun 02 2013

    What a joke...!!!! Gutkha selling ban in 24 states of india, and remaining 4 states are having Gutkha manufacturing unit and supplying across india illegally????? First identify the manufacturers and close the factory then ban selling. PEOPLE IN THIS FORUM ALWAYS FIGHTING BY COMMENTING HINDU, MUSLIM, BD, RSS OR ANY OTHER OUTFIT. I AM DAMN SURE NOBODY WANT TO STREAMLINE THE SYSTEM AND FIGHT FOR GOOD CAUSE.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shivaraj, Sullia / Muscat

    Sun, Jun 02 2013

    It is good to ban Gutka, Smoking items, Liquor to continue a healthy life. Giving up Gutka-Cigarette habit is easy by using nicotine replacement therapy like ciplas chewing gums with deferent capacity depending upon the intensity of addiction.Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. At times, it may even feel impossible. But it’s not. If you’re ready to stop drinking and willing to get the support you need, you can recover from alcoholism and alcohol abuse—no matter how bad the addiction or how powerless you feel. I personally given up all these above last one year. Try you can also.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • hilda, pangala

    Sun, Jun 02 2013

    Not enough to tell about the ban but follow up,otherwise it will be like the plastic bags.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.F.D'SOUZA, ATTAVAR,MANGALORE

    Sun, Jun 02 2013

    Gutka ban o.k! But why the Govt. not implementing the ban on smoking. Let the order be implemented immediately.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh Rego, Uppoor/ Dubai

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    good move by Congress Govt. Can save tax payers money to treat Gutka related cancers. Why B.J.P. cannot do it earlier. Ban Endo sulphun also.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Katapadi/Bangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Gutka ban is one of the best step from health department of the state.Next,explore possibilities to ban smoking.This will automatically bring desciplain and crime rate down with less death and increase longivity in life.All the best.Thanq.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Louis D'Souza, Kuwait

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    This year we are not growing rice in our fields. Bcz it's not working good with us. Can't afford to pay high wages RS.300/day. No body want wages by Rice, asking for cash. RS. 1/kg rice no body want to work in fields. BPL card holders will sell that rice to shop keepers for RS. 20 n bring Bangade fish to eat. I blame both congress n BJP for making poor people more lazy. Don't give them fish but teach them to catch fish. That's all I have to say.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Louis D'Souza, Kuwait

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    After Gutka is baned supari growers will be benefitted. People will start using traditional pan supari, which is less harmful. Keep it up Siddhu. Ban cigarette too. Start -Arrack cheap but good quality drink. Or give subsidy to Bear. Ordinary daily wage workers can't afford to Whisky n Brandi. After days hard work they like to have a peg, else can't gather enough courage to give slaps to their wife's before dinner.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajith, Mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Not only gutka all types of pan masala should be banned.Then only we will be able to see less spitting people on the roads and more clean roads and neighborhoods.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Maxim, Madanthyar, Belthangady

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    My Dear Friends, I welcome Gutka ban and it is ingredients of chemicals(99%), and supari is used very very less, if they use the arecanut that is not having any quality. I am arecanut grower, because of gutka ban there is no effect on arecanut at all. Most of them talks or comment without study of agriculture product. In future for kari-got we may not get good price, because it is throwing items. For other better quality supari we will get good price. My simple question to everyone here is that has any one asked the gutka company’s owner what is the main ingredients of Gutka? Please find the answer for it. We are arecanut growers are very much happy because at last Govt. ban the GUTKA and it’s related products. Our better quality ARECANUT used in Maharastra, Gujarat and north Indian states & Pakistan.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tony Crasta, Mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    I have no problem with ghutka/paan chewing as long as it is done sensibly - I mean as long as one doesn't spit out in the public places or from the moving vehicles etc. After all how many things you are going to ban? Beedies, cigarettes, and all forms of alcohols are harmful as well - are you going to ban them altogether? The economic repercussions on the beedi workers and areca growers need to be considered as well.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    If we open a Gutka packet,we find more of other ingredients (chemicals) and less of supari.If the ban has not affected farmers in other States,I am sure it will not have any effect here

    DisAgree [5] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Congratulations to the new govt policy. Brave step in right direction. I am sure it will reduce gutka usage if not eliminates fully. In few years time it will have great result since majority people can not afford high price of smuggled gutka! Keep it up Khader Bhai!!!

    DisAgree [8] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peace Lover, India

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Ban ! Ha Ha Ha ! It reminds me BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS ! NO MORE RAIDS NOW..AND PLASTICS BAGS ARE WIDELY USED. char din ki chandni phir Andheri raat!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • G Bhat, Mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    All tobacco products are bad.Banning is welcome. However there may be some socio economic problems faced due to sudden ban like beedi workers may lose their job and many families will literally come to street. Protecting them is the responsibility of the government.
    There are equally dangerous tobacco products like mava,khaini,Jardha,Madhu mix etc. Government should ban all of them.
    Very important thing is punish all smuglers of tobacco products severly after banning as they could smugle them from other states.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • sahil, dubai

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    If you ban gutkha fine!but my sincere request ro recover the revenue from gutkha dont even think to increase the tax on us.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh S, mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    ..Beedi also very dangerous,inhaled smoke directly going to lungs causing direct harm to the smoker and there is effect of passive smoke to non smokers also..can we ban it??..No..considering so many poor families involving in this industries, we have to think on larger scale..banning beedi will wil effect poor families badly..same in the case of Gutkha also..there should be awarness programs for the people on effects of tobacco..Govts short sided decission will ruin Areca farmers lives..if you ban something, you should have plan to accommodate with some other..Govt lacked both..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Arecanut growers must unite and fight against the Gutka Ban by the congi govt... Why love for Cigaratee... Why love for cheap liquor.. ???

    DisAgree [43] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vasant Raj, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    We can not ban Gutaks. Anything which is ban is available in black-market like how we are getting Gutka in UAE.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • SURESH, Mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Good decision by the govt. Atleast one good move from the govt. smoking in public also needs to be banned.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    SIDDU indeed has great administration skills.
    BAN ALCOHOL as well. It doesnt do good either infact is more dangerous than Gutkha and Tobacco. It harms the mind and the body and brings murders, rapes, drunk driving accidents etc etc.. causing others too to suffer.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pradeep S. K., Udupi/Bangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    We have to take 1st step to reach any goal or success. If you are not taking any step, then how it will success. So let’s Government take 1st step as Gutka ban and we will wait for result. It is not one day job...............

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    It is nothing but a GUBBI MELE BRAHMAASTRE by CONGI GOVT.... Why no BAN for Cigaratee... Are they not behind your election campain expediture ??? No Gukta .. Yes to Tobacco...

    DisAgree [39] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh Poojary, Kundapura/Bengaluru

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Well said Jeevan. Actually Govt is prompting the gutka eaters to drink SIDDU SARAAYI. Govt should have considered the fate of Areca Nut growers before taking the decision. Farmers are the losers by this Govt's decision.

    DisAgree [43] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Krishna, Malpe

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Jeevan and Dinesh Poojary hajam nahin kar pa rahen hai. hahahaha

    DisAgree [19] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Yes we dont use Saari/cheap liquor like you for hajam karna..

    DisAgree [23] Agree [17] Report Abuse

  • gerald, modankap

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    at least congis trying their best to be people friendly not like BJP corruption friendly

    DisAgree [10] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • melvin, kemmannu/udupi

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    It is a very good move from the health minister,but this will not effect the people those who are already addicts, unless you ban the whole country.They can get it from the neighbouring states & those states will make the revenue.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Leslie Fernandes, Brahmagiri, Udupi

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    IT IS NOT EASY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RULE.
    CLANDESTINE SUPPLIES MAY THREATEN LIVES EVEN HARDER.
    INSTEAD OF BANNING MAKE IT VERY EXPENSIVE BY ADDED TAXES.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • rohan, mangalore/oman

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    This ban should be strictly implemented across the state. Many of the states have gone ahead with the same in the country. Something that would create better health practice and cleaner environment. Many of the buildings around the city will have cleaner walls and corners...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr Edmond Fernandes - , Health Concern Foundation - www.hcfindia.org

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    We highly appreciate the move of the govt of Karnataka and the ministry of health and family welfare in particular. Health Concern Foundation is with you.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ahmed, Mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    Areca growers should change their product and grow alternatives like coconut, rubber etc., which are non hazardous to the health of public. If areca growers are adamant, it is like Pathans in Afghanistan growing OPIUM.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • CYRIL MASCARENHAS, KIREM/MIRA ROAD/DXB-SHARJAH

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    IN INDIA, NOTHING IS POSSIBLE TO BAN..IF BANNED YOU WILL GET MORE GUTKA PEOPLE WILL SMUGGLE..SEE GUJRAT,LIQUOR IS BANNED THERE BUT YOU WILL GET VERY EASILY...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Gutka ban - Will it see the same fate as prohibition on smoking?



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