Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Addicts are still able to buy pre-packed gutka despite the state government imposing a ban on its sale in 2013, claimed a recent study released Tuesday.
The study, which was conducted jointly by John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Centre for Communication Programmes and World Health Organization India in collaboration of other medical bodies, was unveiled by health minister Atanu Sabysachi Nayak in the presence of health experts.
Orissa had the highest proportion of respondents (19 per cent) who continued to purchase the banned pre-packed gutka, according to the study carried out in 2014 in eight states where the ban had been imposed.
The study, which was carried out only in Khurda and Cuttack districts of Orissa, showed that 30 per cent of those who now consume gutka started doing so well before they were 20 years old. The study also found that not too many shopkeepers adhered to the norm of displaying a board declaring non-availability of tobacco products for minors. Tobacco shops were also located near educational institutions despite laws against that.
A whopping 95 per cent of retailers in the state said gutka is still being manufactured, while all the retailers said gutka is easily available with them, said the study, which also examined the behaviour of retailters.
As much as 67 per cent of the retailers said consumers approach them for gutka, while 76 per cent said suppliers ask them to store gutka, the study indicated.
“The manufacturers have now become smarter and have started taking advantage of the loopholes. They now sell gutka ingredients that can be mixed by consumers and consumed as gutka,” Pradeep Krishnatray, director, research & strategic planning, Centre for Communication Programmes, told Orissa POST.
“We are determined to curb the menace. Stringent action would be taken against erring retailers and manufacturers. We believe in zero tolerance in these issues and will work towards effective enforcement of the law with the aid of other departments like the police,” said the health minister.
Nayak, however, accepted that gutka is still available in Orissa.
Successful implementation of the ban on gutka requires strong political and social will, said Arabinda Kumar Rath, chairman of Hemalata Hospital in the capital city.
