Daijiworld Media Network - Davanagere (MS)

Davanagere, Sep 30: In the wake of thousands of people dying because of the use of tobacco products, action will be taken to ban tobacco and gutka products in phases. This information was given by chief minister (CM) B S Yediyurappa.

Yediyurappa said that areca nut farmers should not face problems because of the ban. At the same time, people should not die because of tobacco use. Keeping a balance between both the points, action will be taken to phase out tobacco products.

Speaking on the occasion, president of VRL group of companies and entrepreneur Vijay Sankeshwar said, "At present 15 states and two union territories in the country have banned the production and sale of tobacco and gutka products. CM Yediyurappa also has to take steps to ban the tobacco products in our state also for the well being of the people."

"Orissa state is 92% tobacco-free. More than 10,000 people are dying every year because of tobacco and gutka consumption. Consumption of tobacco and gutka is causing ill-effects on the marital lives of many families also," said Vijay Sankeshwar.

Submitting an appeal in this regard to CM Yediyurappa, Vijay Sankeshwar further said, "When 17 states in the country have banned tobacco and gutka, our state also has to take bold step. Yediyurappa is the most capable CM, the state has seen, in the last 50 years. I am requesting hereby the CM to stop the supari and pan masala first, which are being sold under the protection of law. Contain the active participation of officers, who are spoiling the life of people."