The state government has decided to ban the sale of gutka and pan masala or other products laced with tobacco on the eve of ‘World No Tobacco Day’. However, the move has run into rough weather with legislators cutting across party lines, mainly from the Malnad and coastal regions of the state, terming the move as hasty.
The number of cancer cases is rising at an alarming rate and the use of gutka and pan masala or other products laced with tobacco have been cited as one of the major causes for cancer. “So, in the interest of public health we are banning gutka. Henceforth, there will not be any sale of gutka in the state. I have discussed the issue with CM Siddaramaiah and he has agreed to the proposal. An official government order would be issued soon,” declared health and family welfare minister UT Khader, on Thursday.
When asked about fate of the areca growers in the state, Khader said that protecting public health is more important for the government. He assured that the state government would come out with a plan to safeguard the interest of the areca growers. BJP MP Nalin Kumar Katil has strongly opposed the state government’s decision. “What was the need to take this decision in a haste without consulting the areca growers and representatives from the region where areca is grown in a big way. The state government should present an action plan to protect the interest of the areca growers before banning gutka,” Katil said.
K Vasanth Bangera, Congress MLA from Belthangadi, expressing concern said that the ban on gutka would definitely affect arecanut growers. “At the same time we have to think from the perspective of the health of our youth. I will present a memorandum to the government stressing the need for protecting the farmers and the youth,” he added.
Senior Congress leader and MLC, Motamma preferred to be cautious in her comments and just said, “I don’t have any idea about gutka and hence I do not want to comment on the issue.” DN Jeevaraj, BJP MLA also strongly opposed the ban. “I am seriously opposing the ban on gutka. If they find poisonous ingredients in gutka they can impose a ban on those elements. Farmers were about to get a good price for their areca crop produce, but these statements will surely bring the prices down and the farmers will suffer.
The government should really think of the interests of the farmers,” he said to dna.
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