Ban on gutka goes for a toss in State

Admin blames it on lack of manpower

SHILLONG: While the State Government was quick to take steps to ban Maggi products, there is alleged laxity on its part to crackdown on the sale of the dangerous gutka which is virtually poison.

The manufacture, storage, transport, sale and distribution of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine as ingredients was prohibited in the State by the Deputy Commissioner of Foods Safety, State Food Safety and Standards Authority last year. However, the same has not hindered the sale of the items in the city.

Even as the Government has cited lack of manpower as a handicap in imposing the ban on the concerned items, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal admitted that unless enforcement wings come into existence, the prohibition will not yield much result.

He further said strict implementation of the prohibition on the sale and transportation of gutka required sufficient manpower.

Shopkeepers across the city are seen openly selling the items in complete violation of the order.

Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkrang said that the city police, from time to time conducts random checks and raids to ensure that shopkeepers do not sell the prohibited items.

The manufacture, storage and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine as ingredients are prohibited in the State under sub section (2) of Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.