Delhi govt slaps blanket ban on production, sale and purchase of tobacco
13 March 2015 5:02 AM IST
The issue pertaining to the ban is pending with the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Najeeb Jung, since May last year.
“The government is committed towards the enforcement of a blanket ban on all types of chewable tobacco in the city. A notification in this regard is likely to be issued within a day or two,” said Nagender Sharma, spokesperson of Delhi government. He further clarified that the government has made up its mind to bear the loss of revenue, considering the health of the people.
“We will do everything; right from awareness to campaigns to effective enforcement through penal action,” he added. A proposal in this regard was prepared by the Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell in September, 2013 and was sent to the LG, after approval from the Delhi Chief Secretary. Sharma added that the new government is revisiting the proposal, to make it more clear and effective.
It is important to mention that the sale of Gutka was banned in Delhi in September, 2012, but the producers came up with some innovations to mitigate the law. “The manufacturers started producing in two compartments — raw tobacco and supari, in two separate pouches, thereby defeating the entire purpose of banning gutka,” said a senior officer, justifying the decision of the government to ban all types of chewable tobacco in the city.
The chewable tobacco products include khaini, zarda among others. The enforcement of the ban will prove to be a challenge for the new government, given that the Capital shares its boundaries with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana – one of the major reasons why ban just remains on paper. “It’s quite a challenge, but we will enforce it in Delhi,” emphasised Sharma.
As far as rules are concerned, the last date of every month is observed as dry day for tobacco in the city. Besides, the health department has also launched an innovative drive — “Tobacco Aware Citizens’ Directory” to spread word about its harmful effects.
“The government is committed towards the enforcement of a blanket ban on all types of chewable tobacco in the city. A notification in this regard is likely to be issued within a day or two,” said Nagender Sharma, spokesperson of Delhi government. He further clarified that the government has made up its mind to bear the loss of revenue, considering the health of the people.
“We will do everything; right from awareness to campaigns to effective enforcement through penal action,” he added. A proposal in this regard was prepared by the Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell in September, 2013 and was sent to the LG, after approval from the Delhi Chief Secretary. Sharma added that the new government is revisiting the proposal, to make it more clear and effective.
It is important to mention that the sale of Gutka was banned in Delhi in September, 2012, but the producers came up with some innovations to mitigate the law. “The manufacturers started producing in two compartments — raw tobacco and supari, in two separate pouches, thereby defeating the entire purpose of banning gutka,” said a senior officer, justifying the decision of the government to ban all types of chewable tobacco in the city.
The chewable tobacco products include khaini, zarda among others. The enforcement of the ban will prove to be a challenge for the new government, given that the Capital shares its boundaries with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana – one of the major reasons why ban just remains on paper. “It’s quite a challenge, but we will enforce it in Delhi,” emphasised Sharma.
As far as rules are concerned, the last date of every month is observed as dry day for tobacco in the city. Besides, the health department has also launched an innovative drive — “Tobacco Aware Citizens’ Directory” to spread word about its harmful effects.
Next Story
