Punjab bans manufacturing of Gutkha, Paan Masala

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday ordered ban on manufacturing of food products containing tobacco or nicotine like 'Gutkha' and 'Pan Masala' in the state with immediate effect. 

Badal has asked the Health Department to take immediate steps to ensure complete ban on manufacturing of 'Guthka', 'Pan Masala', processed/ flavored/ scented chewing tobacco and any other food products containing tobacco or nicotine in the state, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister s Office said.

The state government had already issued a notification on January 1 banning the storage, sale or distribution of tobacco items by whatever name these are called as final products in the market and has been prohibited for one year in Punjab. The Chief Minister has categorically directed the Health Department for strict compliance of these orders and said that no laxity by any erring officials in its implementation would be tolerated at any cost, the spokesperson said.