Telangana Ban Gutka and Pan Masala Containing Tobacco and Nicotine Effective Immediately for One Year

In the public interest, the Telangana government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine in the state for one year.

The Telangana government has issued a statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine. Effective from May 24, 2024, this one-year prohibition aims to protect public well-being. According to the order from the Food Safety Commissioner, the ban will be enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Telangana government on ban of tobacco products: Official statement 

The Food Safety Commissioner has issued an order stating, “Telangana state hereby prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of Gutkha/Pan masala which contains tobacco and nicotine as an ingredient which are packed in sachets/pouches/package/containers etc., or by whatever name it is called in the entire State of Telangana for a period of one year with effect from May 24, 2024”

This decision has been made in light of the significant health risks associated with consuming gutka and pan masala. These tobacco products are commonly linked to oral cancer, oral submucous fibrosis, and numerous other health issues.

Telangana government on ban of tobacco products: Implementation

This order has impacted Hyderabad’s markets since Sunday afternoon with pan shop owners ready to accept the new norm, yet confronting challenges because of the sector’s unorganised nature. 

Mohammed Salahuddin Dakhni, president of the Pan Shop Owners Association of Telangana mentions that, “There are about 1.5 lakh pan shops in Telangana. We support banning gutka and many shops have already stopped selling it. However, we request authorities to exempt chewing tobacco and zarda, as millions of families depend on these sales for their livelihood”.

Mr. Salahuddin referenced that his association had recently submitted representations to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on this issue. He said that many pan shops across the State additionally have posters shown outside saying that they don’t sell gutka.