Key Update

Despite the state health, medical education, and family welfare department imposing a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of gutka and paan masala products containing tobacco and nicotine, shops across Ranchi, Jharkhand, continue to sell these products openly.

On May 4, Ajoy Kumar Singh, the department’s additional chief secretary-cum-state food safety commissioner, enforced a one-year ban on such products under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011.

Products Still Easily Available

A ground-level inspection across the city found roadside kiosks and paan shops continuing to sell gutka and paan masala products discreetly. Although many shopkeepers no longer display the packets openly, they still supply them to customers on request. Local traders admitted that authorities intensify enforcement drives only for a brief period after announcing the ban, after which the illegal sale of these products quietly resumes.

Residents Raise Concerns Over Weak Enforcement

Residents have expressed frustration over the continued sale of banned products and criticised authorities for failing to strictly implement and monitor the order. Many residents pointed out that gutka and paan masala consumption not only poses a serious public health risk but also creates unhygienic conditions across the city. They urged authorities to strengthen enforcement measures and conduct regular inspections instead of limiting action to temporary crackdowns.

Food Safety Department Conducts Raids

Following the ban order, Ranchi food safety officer Dr Pawan Kumar said officials raided two wholesale paan masala shops in the Upper Bazar area and collected product samples for testing. Authorities sent the samples to the National Food Testing Laboratory in Kolkata to check for the presence of tobacco or nicotine, and officials expect the test reports within a month. Meanwhile, the food safety department continues to monitor the sale and storage of banned products and has warned that authorities will take legal action against violators under the law.

Source: The Times of India